According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Monday, U.S. public approval of the military action against Iran dropped to 31%, matching President Donald Trump’s popularity at a record low of 33% for the second straight survey.
Iran War Approval Plummets Among Republicans
Public backing for the military campaign has eroded steadily since the conflict began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey recorded 31% support for the war, down from 37% in March and 34% earlier in the month, according to Reuters reporting by Jason Lange.
The downward shift stems primarily from a drop in support among self-identified Republicans. Only 69% of Republican respondents now back the military action, compared to 77% in March. Despite the cooling of active combat operations in recent months, Iran has maintained a de facto blockade on regional oil exports, keeping U.S. gasoline prices near record highs. Gasoline currently averages more than a dollar higher per gallon than before the conflict started.
Economic Pressure and Sanctions Debated
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that the administration is considering expanding economic sanctions to target countries doing business with Iran. However, Bessent stopped short of actually imposing penalties, underscoring the delicate diplomatic and economic balancing act facing the White House.
President Trump has consistently defended the military campaign as a necessary measure to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Yet, voters are increasingly pessimistic about the timeline of the conflict. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 83% of Americans expect the war to continue for an extended period, up from 80% earlier this month.
Political Stakes for Midterm Elections
The prolonged conflict and rising living costs are creating headwinds for Republican candidates defending narrow majorities in Congress ahead of the November 3 midterms. When asked how they would vote in congressional matchups if the election were held today, independent voters favored Democrats over Republicans by a margin of 33% to 19%, according to the poll data.
Did you know? Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump campaigned heavily on pledges to curb inflation and steer clear of lengthy military engagements abroad. Six months into the Iran conflict, the economic fallout is testing those promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current public approval rating for the U.S. war with Iran?
According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed Monday, 31% of Americans support U.S. military action against Iran.
What is President Trump’s current job approval rating?
President Trump’s job approval sits at 33% for the second survey, matching a record low for his first or second term in Reuters/Ipsos polling, as reported by Jason Lange.
How are gasoline prices affecting the political landscape?
With U.S. gasoline prices remaining near record highs—exceeding pre-war prices by more than a dollar per gallon due to a de facto Iranian oil blockade—voters are expressing economic frustration that is weighing on Republican congressional prospects.
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