Iran’s Effect On Trump’s Approval Rating
President Donald Trump is facing a growing political challenge as American support for the U.S. war with Iran continues to decline, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey found that just 31% of Americans support U.S. military action against Iran, down from 37% in March and 34% earlier in August.
The declining numbers come as Americans continue to deal with higher gasoline prices, inflation concerns and uncertainty over how long the Iran conflict could last.
For Trump and congressional Republicans, those concerns could become increasingly important as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Republican Support for Iran War Declines
One of the biggest changes in the latest poll came from Republican voters.
About 69% of Republicans said they support the war with Iran, compared with 77% in March.
Republicans still remain considerably more supportive of the military campaign than the country overall, but the eight-point decline suggests some voters within Trump’s own political coalition are becoming more skeptical.
That could matter for a president who has long emphasized avoiding prolonged foreign wars while putting American economic and national security interests first.
Trump Approval Rating Remains at 33%
Trump’s overall job approval rating also remains under pressure.
For the second Reuters/Ipsos survey in a row, 33% of Americans said they approve of Trump’s performance as president.
According to Reuters, that represents Trump’s lowest approval level in its polling across both his first and second terms.
The Iran conflict is only one factor affecting voters, but the combination of foreign policy concerns and higher household expenses could create a difficult political environment heading into November.
Why Trump Says the Iran War Is Necessary
Trump has argued that U.S. military action is necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The conflict began with American and Israeli strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
Although fighting has cooled compared with the opening months of the war, its economic consequences continue to affect the United States.
Iran has maintained restrictions on regional oil exports, contributing to higher energy costs and putting additional pressure on American consumers.
Gas Prices Rise More Than $1 Per Gallon
One of the biggest concerns for American families is the price at the pump.
Six months into the conflict, U.S. gasoline prices are more than $1 per gallon higher than they were before the war began.
That increase can quickly add up for households that depend on their vehicles for work, medical appointments, shopping and everyday transportation.
Higher fuel costs can also spread throughout the economy because businesses often face increased expenses for shipping and transportation.
Those additional costs can eventually affect the prices consumers pay for groceries, household goods and other necessities.
For retirees and Americans living on fixed incomes, persistent increases in everyday expenses can be particularly difficult to absorb.
Trump Administration Considers More Iran Sanctions
The Trump administration is also looking for additional ways to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that the United States could expand sanctions targeting countries that continue conducting business with Iran.
The administration stopped short of immediately announcing additional penalties.
The situation presents the White House with a difficult balancing act: applying enough pressure to influence Tehran while attempting to avoid further disruption to global energy markets and the U.S. economy.
83% Believe Iran War Will Last an Extended Time
Perhaps the most striking number in the new poll involves how long Americans believe the conflict will continue.
A substantial 83% of respondents said they expect the war to last for an “extended period of time.”
That figure increased from 80% earlier in August.
The result could present a particular challenge for Trump because his 2024 campaign emphasized both reducing inflation and keeping America out of lengthy military conflicts.
Many Americans remember the enormous financial and human costs associated with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, making the prospect of another extended Middle East conflict a potentially powerful political issue.
Independent Voters Could Be Crucial in 2026
The latest numbers also contain a warning for Republicans preparing for the November 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans hold narrow congressional majorities, meaning relatively small shifts among independent and swing voters could determine control of Congress.
When independents participating in the Reuters/Ipsos poll were asked which party they would support if congressional elections were held today, 33% chose Democrats and 19% selected Republicans.
The election is still months away, and voter attitudes can change significantly before ballots are cast.
Still, the numbers demonstrate why Iran, gas prices, inflation and the economy could become central issues during the closing months of the campaign.
Iran War Could Become a Major Midterm Issue
Trump now faces two challenges at the same time.
Overseas, his administration is trying to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon while increasing economic pressure on Tehran.
At home, the president must convince Americans that the strategy is worth the financial and geopolitical costs.
For many voters, the debate may ultimately come down to a straightforward question: Can the United States achieve its objectives in Iran without becoming trapped in another long and expensive Middle East conflict?
The answer could have consequences extending well beyond foreign policy.
If gasoline prices remain elevated and public support for the war continues to decline, the Iran conflict could become one of the issues shaping the battle for control of Congress in November.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey included 1,215 U.S. adults nationwide and has a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points in either direction.
