LONDON — President Donald Trump's approval rating has crashed to its lowest level since returning to the White House, as Americans register deep dissatisfaction with his military campaign against Iran and its economic fallout.

The Reuters-Ipsos survey, spanning four days through Monday, shows just 36 percent of Americans approve of Trump's performance — a four-point drop from the previous week and the steepest decline since he resumed the presidency.

Economic Backlash Intensifies

The poll captures mounting frustration over fuel price spikes that have followed Trump's February 28 decision to launch strikes against Iranian targets. Gasoline prices have surged nearly 40 cents per gallon nationwide, with some regions seeing increases exceeding 60 cents as markets price in prolonged Middle East instability.

"The American public is feeling this conflict directly at the pump, and that's translating into political consequences for the administration," said Margaret Chen, director of polling at the Brookings Institution. "When foreign policy intersects with household budgets, approval ratings typically suffer."

The military action, initially framed by the White House as a limited response to Iranian provocations, has expanded beyond initial projections. U.S. forces now maintain an elevated presence across the Persian Gulf region, with defense spending climbing as the Pentagon requests additional emergency funding.

Congressional Pressure Mounts

Republican lawmakers, initially supportive of the Iran operation, have begun voicing private concerns about its duration and scope. Several GOP senators have questioned the administration's exit strategy, while Democrats have demanded congressional authorization for continued military action.

"We're seeing cracks in the president's traditional base of support," explained David Rodriguez, senior analyst at the Center for Strategic Studies. "The combination of economic pain and unclear military objectives is testing Republican unity in ways we haven't seen since the early Iraq War period."

The poll reveals particularly sharp opposition among independents, with approval dropping to just 28 percent — down from 35 percent the previous week. Even among Republicans, Trump's support has softened to 72 percent, compared to his typical range of 78-82 percent.

Regional Implications Deepen

The domestic political pressure comes as the Iran conflict shows few signs of resolution. Iranian forces have responded with asymmetric tactics, including proxy attacks on U.S. allies and disruption of shipping lanes that have further complicated global energy markets.

Oil prices have climbed 15 percent since the conflict began, with Brent crude approaching $95 per barrel. Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability could push prices toward $100, potentially triggering broader economic consequences ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

What Comes Next

The polling data suggests Trump faces a critical juncture in balancing military objectives against domestic political costs. Historical precedent shows that presidents typically see approval ratings recover once conflicts conclude successfully, but prolonged engagements often prove politically damaging.

White House officials have signaled potential diplomatic openings, though Tehran has rejected preliminary overtures while U.S. forces remain in offensive positions. The administration must now weigh military goals against mounting pressure from Congress and voters feeling economic strain.

The trajectory of Trump's approval rating will likely depend on whether the Iran operation can achieve clear objectives within weeks rather than months, potentially shaping Republican prospects in upcoming midterm contests.