Approval of Iran war hits record low

Americans’ support for the war with Iran has fallen to the lowest level since the conflict began, helping keep President Trump’s approval rating at a record low.

Support for U.S. military action against Tehran dipped to 31%, down 3 points from earlier this month and down 6 points since the start of the war, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week.

This drop is attributable to fewer self-identified Republicans supporting the war. Roughly 69% of Republicans backed the Trump administration’s actions against Iran, compared with 77% in March, just after the U.S. and Israel first launched strikes on Iran.

The war’s unpopularity mirrors Mr. Trump’s approval numbers.

Another Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed Aug. 17 put Mr. Trump’s approval at 33% and disapproval at 64%, the lowest of his second term and tied with the low point of his first term.

The poll also found 80% of Americans, including 71% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats, believed the Iran conflict would drag on for an extended period.

The poll out this week put that figure at 83%.

Concerns about the Iran war lasting for an extended period, the high cost of living and surging gas prices have dragged down Mr. Trump’s approval rating.

The war adds to economic concerns as it has pushed gasoline prices higher. Gasoline is now more than a dollar more per gallon than before the war began.

Mr. Trump recently told a campaign rally that paying “a bit more for gasoline” is worth ensuring the Islamic regime in Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.

The president initially estimated that the military campaign against Iran would last four to five weeks. But the conflict is nearing the six-month mark.

Ipsos’ ongoing tracker asks Americans directly whether the war has been worth it, rather than just whether they support it. As of mid-June, only 25% said taking military action in Iran has been worth it, while 53% said it has not.

The war has also become a political liability for Republicans defending narrow congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections.