President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest of his presidency, as an overwhelming majority of Americans express concern that the U.S. conflict with Iran will persist for an extended period, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over four days ending Monday.
The survey found that 64% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, marking a 2-point drop from a prior poll earlier this month. The 31-point gap between approval and disapproval ratings is the largest recorded by Reuters/Ipsos during his current term. The poll, which included responses from 1,166 U.S. adults with a 3-percentage-point margin of error, also revealed that 80% of Americans—including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans—believe U.S. involvement in Iran will continue for an extended time. Only 16% of respondents said they expected the conflict to end within weeks.
Economic strain and stalled negotiations
The prolonged conflict has disrupted a fifth of global oil trade, contributing to a surge in gasoline prices that has weighed on U.S. households. The economic impact has become a central issue in the lead-up to the November midterm elections, with both Republicans and Democrats highlighting affordability concerns in their campaigns. The poll did not assess whether voters held Trump personally responsible for the economic strain, but it reflected broader public unease about the conflict’s duration and financial repercussions.
Trump, who campaigned on promises to avoid long-lasting wars and keep inflation in check, initially stated the conflict with Iran would last only a few weeks. He framed the war as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons that could threaten global security. However, Iran has maintained resilience, continuing to restrict oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz despite a cooling of active hostilities.
Political fallout ahead of midterms
The poll’s findings underscore the political risks for Trump and his Republican allies as they defend narrow congressional majorities in the upcoming elections. The survey’s timing—just months before the midterms—has amplified concerns about voter sentiment, particularly among those struggling with rising costs. While the poll did not directly link Trump’s approval rating to the conflict, it highlighted public skepticism about the war’s resolution.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts and threats
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled, with no clear timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. On Monday, Trump issued a warning to Oman, a Gulf nation involved in separate talks with Iran, stating he would take aggressive action if Oman interfered with U.S. operations in the region. The U.S. and Oman have been engaged in parallel discussions to restore stability to the waterway, but progress has been limited.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll reflects a broader trend of public pessimism about the conflict’s trajectory, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Analysts note that the war’s prolonged nature has shifted the political landscape, forcing both parties to address economic concerns while navigating the complexities of a protracted military engagement.