WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his current presidency, with growing concerns among Americans over the prospect of a prolonged war with Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey found that 33% of Americans approved of Trump’s performance, while 64% disapproved.
The poll also showed widespread concern about the duration of the conflict with Iran. Around 80% of respondents said they believed the war could continue for an extended period.
The view was shared across party lines, with 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans saying the conflict could be prolonged. Only 16% of respondents expected the conflict to end within a few weeks.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online over four days and included 1,166 adults from across the United States. The poll had a margin of error of up to three percentage points.
Meanwhile, Trump said Iran wanted to reach an agreement with the United States but would not accept the kind of deal he considered necessary.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US objective was to ensure that Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon. He added that following US military action involving B-2 bombers, Iran would require considerable time to develop such a capability, but stressed that Washington would not accept Tehran having a nuclear weapon.
Trump also said the United States did not want to extend a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
Separately, Iranian Supreme Leader’s senior adviser Ali Akbar Velayati said the situation in the region and the balance of power had fundamentally changed.
Velayati criticised US pressure on Iran, saying Washington was discussing economic sanctions while Trump was highlighting the naval blockade. At the same time, US Senator John Cornyn has raised concerns about rising prices and increasing everyday costs facing American consumers.
