Public support in the United States for the ongoing war with Iran has dropped to its lowest level since the conflict began, with only one in three Americans backing the military campaign, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The nationwide survey, conducted between Friday and Sunday, found that 69% of respondents believe President Donald Trump has failed to clearly explain the United States’ objectives in the war.
Even among Republicans, about four in 10 said the administration has not adequately communicated its reasons for military involvement.
Since the conflict started five months ago, Trump has cited several goals, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities, and encouraging political change in Tehran.
Support for War Remains Low
The poll shows support for the conflict has remained below 40% since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28.
The findings stand in sharp contrast to previous American military interventions. Public approval reached roughly 70% during the opening months of the Iraq War in 2003, while support surged to around 90% after the United States entered Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Despite declining backing for the war, Trump’s overall job approval rating increased slightly, rising three percentage points to 37% after falling to a recent low last month.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales dismissed the poll’s significance, saying the administration would not shape national security policy around “fluid opinion polls.” She reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a key priority for the president.
Americans Question the Purpose of the Conflict
Many Americans surveyed said they remain uncertain about why the United States is engaged in the conflict.
Retired Marine Corps veteran Alex Womack told Reuters that he no longer strongly supports Trump’s handling of the situation.
“It’s not clear why we started a war with them. I have no idea,” Womack said.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 18 US service members, while thousands of people have reportedly been killed in Iran and neighbouring Lebanon, where Iran-backed groups have continued fighting Israeli forces.
Rising Fuel Prices Add to Public Frustration
The war has also fuelled economic concerns, particularly through higher energy costs.
Average petrol prices across the United States have climbed to just over $4 per gallon, compared with approximately $3 before the conflict began, placing additional financial pressure on households.
Republican strategist Alex Conant said the increase in living costs could become a political challenge for Republicans ahead of the congressional midterm elections scheduled for November.
According to the poll, independent voters currently favour Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by a margin of 36% to 20%. The same group also expressed greater confidence in Democrats to manage the economy.
Campaign Promise Faces Renewed Scrutiny
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to avoid prolonged overseas conflicts and focus on domestic priorities.
Independent voter Rhyan Anderson, who supported Trump in the 2024 election, said the president should now concentrate more on issues affecting Americans at home.
“My biggest thing is just focus on the people who are actually in the country,” Anderson told Reuters.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey interviewed 1,246 adults across the United States. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
