A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump has failed to clearly explain the United States’ objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey, conducted over four days and completed on Monday, found that 66% of respondents said Trump had not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran”. The conflict began on February 28 following a joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll also highlighted growing concern among Americans over rising fuel prices linked to the conflict. About 63% of respondents said recent increases in gasoline prices had negatively affected their household finances, up from 55% in a similar March poll.
Oil prices have surged amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran’s actions in the region have disrupted energy supplies and contributed to higher fuel costs in the United States and beyond.
Despite the criticism, Trump’s approval rating rose slightly to 36%, up from 34% recorded in late April, though still below the 47% support level he held at the beginning of his current term.
The poll suggested many Americans are also blaming Republicans for the economic strain caused by the conflict ahead of the November midterm elections. Roughly three-quarters of respondents, including about half of Republicans surveyed, said the administration bore significant responsibility for rising gas prices.
Reuters reported that around 30% of Americans now plan to reduce summer travel because of fuel costs, underlining growing public anxiety over the economic impact of the war.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,254 US adults nationwide and had a margin of error of about three percentage points.
