US Support for Iran Conflict Dips as President Donald Trump Faces Record-Low Approval Ratings

Support in the United States for the ongoing war on Iran has declined, coinciding with President Donald Trump maintaining a record-low approval rating, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Released on Monday, the survey indicates that public backing for the military campaign has dropped to its lowest point since the conflict began, driven in part by a decrease in Republican support.

Only 31 percent of surveyed Americans expressed support for US military action against Iran, showing a decrease from 37 percent in March and 34 percent earlier this month. Among Republican respondents, backing fell to 69 percent, compared to 77 percent in March. The poll also highlights that the conflict continues to weigh heavily on President Donald Trump's public standing. For the second consecutive Reuters/Ipsos survey, 33 percent of respondents approved of the president's performance, matching the lowest rating recorded across his first and second terms.

President Donald Trump has defended the military campaign, arguing it is necessary to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The conflict itself started on February 28 following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Nonetheless, economic fallout remains a major concern for the American public. Iran has maintained a de facto blockade on regional oil exports, which has pushed US petrol prices near record highs.

In response, the administration has announced new measures to ramp up economic pressure on Iran. Speaking on Monday, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that the US will target all revenue streams belonging to Iran, including oil, to deter other nations and companies from doing business with Tehran. This campaign has been named “Operation Economic Outcast”.

The poll also reveals that a growing majority of Americans anticipate a prolonged conflict, with 83 percent believing the war will last for an extended period, up from 80 percent earlier this month. This prospect poses a significant hurdle for President Donald Trump, who won the 2024 presidential campaign on pledges to lower inflation and pursue an “America First” agenda focused on avoiding foreign military interventions.

Six months into the war, petrol prices have risen by more than $1 per gallon (3.8 litres) compared to pre-war levels, compounding economic anxieties ahead of the November midterm elections. These elevated fuel costs could also pose challenges for Republicans trying to defend their narrow congressional majorities. Furthermore, independent voters surveyed indicated a preference for Democrats over Republicans in a hypothetical congressional matchup, with 33 percent favoring a Democrat and 19 percent choosing a Republican.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted over four days, gathering responses from 1,215 adults across the United States, and carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points.