New York: While some Republican politicians criticised US President Donald Trump's decision not to launch military strike against Iran last week, his restraint has been welcomed by a war-weary American public and key conservative media allies.

With Trump already intensely focused on his re-election prospects, the dovish mood of the American electorate is likely to provide a powerful counterbalance to the influence of hawks in his administration.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton both favour a tough approach to Iran.

Tucker Carlson, one of Fox's most high-profile hosts, has applauded Donald Trump's decision not to bomb Iran. Credit:AP

Some of the country's most influential commentators, whose views Trump monitors closely, also praised his decision not to launch strikes as the "high point of the Trump presidency".