US support for Iran war falls to one-third, poll shows

Public support for the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran has fallen to its lowest level since the war began five months ago, with only one in three Americans expressing approval, according to new polling data. A majority of respondents say President Donald Trump has failed to clearly explain the objectives of the campaign, creating a significant political headwind for his party ahead of the November midterm elections.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from July 24 to July 26 found that 69% of Americans, including four in ten Republicans, believe Trump has not clearly articulated the goals of U.S. military involvement. The White House dismissed the significance of shifting opinion polls, with spokeswoman Olivia Wales stating the president will not base decisions on "fluid opinion polls" and reiterating his resolve to prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. She added that what matters most is having a commander in chief who takes bold action to keep Americans safe.

Approval for the conflict has remained below 40% since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on February 28, a stark contrast to the opening months of other recent American wars. Early support for the Iraq...