Two-thirds of Americans believe that US President Donald Trump has not clearly explained why the country went to war with Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday, which also showed his approval rating rising slightly from its lowest level this term.
The four-day poll revealed deep concern about skyrocketing gasoline prices, and also suggested that many voters blame their problems on Trump's Republican allies, who will defend their congressional majority in the November congressional elections.
More than two months into the conflict, which began on February 28 with a US-Israeli bombing campaign, about 66 percent of respondents - including one in three Republicans and almost all Democrats - said Trump had not "clearly explained the objectives of US military engagement in Iran."
The war, which has eased in recent weeks as both sides have made peace proposals, has sent gasoline prices across the country soaring by about 50 percent as Iran shut down a fifth of global oil trade. Tehran has managed to keep the narrow Strait of Hormuz closed despite efforts by US warships to reopen the waterway to global oil tanker traffic.
Household finances affected
About 63 percent of Americans say their household's personal financial situation has been affected by the recent rise in gasoline prices, up from 55 percent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted March 17-19.
About 36 percent of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, up two percentage points from a Reuters/Ipsos poll in late April, when his approval rating was 34 percent, the lowest level of his current term.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll had a margin of error of three percentage points either way, based on the number of respondents.
Trump's popularity remains below the 40 percent approval rating he enjoyed just before the war began. He began his term in January 2025 with 47 percent approval, after winning the 2024 presidential election on a promise to cut costs for Americans.
Concerns about gasoline prices
Three-quarters of the public - including half of Republicans - believe his administration bears at least some responsibility for the sharp rise in gas prices, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. When asked which political party was more responsible, 65 percent of respondents said Republicans were to blame, compared with 27 percent who blamed Democrats.
Four out of five Americans said they expect gasoline prices to rise further.
Republicans are defending narrow majorities in the US House of Representatives and Senate in the congressional elections, and strategists say they will have a better chance of retaining control if gas prices fall.
But with no deal between Washington and Tehran in sight, about three in 10 Americans already expect to cut back on summer vacation plans if gas prices remain at current levels, the poll found. Many expect to cancel trips or travel shorter distances.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online and included responses from 1.254 adults across the US.
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