Iran War support in the United States has fallen to its lowest level since the conflict began, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. Only one in three Americans now support the military campaign against Iran.
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The survey, conducted from Friday to Sunday, also showed President Donald Trump’s approval rating rising to 37%. That marks a three-point increase from the previous month.
However, most Americans remain unconvinced by the administration’s explanation of the conflict. The poll found that 69% of respondents, including four in 10 Republicans, believe Trump has not clearly explained the goals of US military action in Iran.
Trump has outlined several objectives. He says the campaign aims to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, weaken its missile programme and pressure its leadership.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended the administration’s position. She said Trump would not base national security decisions on opinion polls. She also repeated the president’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Support Remains Weak
Public support has stayed below 40% since the United States and Israel launched strikes on February 28.
Previous conflicts attracted much stronger public backing. About 70% of Americans supported the Iraq War in its early months. Nearly 90% backed the war in Afghanistan after it began, according to Gallup polling.
Political Pressure Builds
The latest poll increases pressure on Trump and the Republican Party before the November midterm elections.
Many voters questioned the purpose of the conflict. Retired Marine Alex Womack said he no longer understands why the United States is fighting Iran. He also admitted the war has reduced his support for Trump.
The conflict has already killed 18 American service members. It has also caused thousands of deaths in Iran and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, higher oil prices continue to affect American households. Average gasoline prices now exceed $4 per gallon, compared with about $3 before the conflict began.
Republican strategist Alex Conant said rising fuel prices and the administration’s focus on foreign policy could weaken Republican support during the election campaign.
Independent Voters Shift
The survey found that independent voters now favour Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by 36% to 20%.
Many independents also expressed greater confidence in Democratic economic policies.
Rhyan Anderson, an independent voter from Georgia, said the government should focus more on domestic issues instead of overseas military operations.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,246 adults across the United States. The margin of error is three percentage points.
