A majority of Americans believe the United States should move quickly to end its involvement in the ongoing Iran war, even if Washington does not achieve all of its stated objectives, according to a Reuters/Ipsos
poll, reflecting mounting public concern as the conflict drives up fuel prices and raises fears of economic strain.
According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, 66 per cent of respondents said the US should work to end the conflict quickly, even if it means not achieving the goals set by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In contrast, 27 per cent said Washington should continue military engagement until all objectives are met, even if the conflict continues for a longer period.
Six per cent did not respond.
The survey indicates divisions within Trump’s Republican base.
While 57 per cent of Republican respondents supported continuing the conflict until US goals are achieved, 40 per cent said the US should seek a quicker end to the war even without securing all outcomes, Reuters reported.
The war, which has now stretched into its second month and spread across parts of the Middle East, has resulted in thousands of deaths and triggered global economic concerns, particularly due to rising energy costs that are fuelling inflation fears worldwide.
PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL OF MILITARY STRIKES
Public sentiment also appears cautious toward the military campaign itself.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 60 per cent of respondents disapproved of US military strikes on Iran, while 35 per cent expressed approval.
The poll was conducted among 1,021 respondents between Friday and Sunday.
Economic concerns appear to be shaping public opinion.
More than half of respondents said they expect the conflict to have a negative effect on their personal financial situation, including 39 per cent of Republicans surveyed, Reuters reported.
RISING FUEL PRICES EMERGE AS KEY CONCERN
One of the most immediate effects of the war for Americans has been rising gasoline prices.
According to Reuters, gas prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than three years, citing data from price tracker GasBuddy.
The Associated Press reported that the national average price for regular gasoline reached $4.02 per gallon, more than a dollar higher than before the conflict began on February 28.
The increase marks the largest monthly rise recorded by the American Automobile Association (AAA).
The AP attributed the surge to sharp increases in crude oil prices, with benchmark crude climbing above $100 per barrel from about $70 before the war began, amid supply disruptions across the Middle East.
Analysts say higher fuel costs are expected to impact broader household expenses, including groceries and shipping, as transportation and logistics costs increase.
WHITE HOUSE WEIGHS RISK OF OIL PRICE SPIKE
Concerns over energy costs are also being discussed within the Trump administration.
According to Politico, White House officials are examining scenarios in which oil prices could climb to $150 per barrel or higher as the conflict continues.
Politico reported that Treasury officials believe oil prices are likely to remain above $100 per barrel for some time, with internal discussions considering the possibility of prices reaching as high as $200 per barrel.
However, a White House spokesperson denied that the administration was predicting such price levels and said officials were continuing to explore options to mitigate short-term supply disruptions.
With Republicans facing voters in November’s midterm elections, economic concerns linked to rising fuel prices could influence public sentiment.
Historically, the incumbent president’s party tends to lose congressional seats in midterm elections, Reuters noted.
Two in three respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they expect gas prices to worsen over the next year, including 40 per cent of Republicans, underlining the political sensitivity of energy costs as households grapple with rising living expenses.
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