Trump Is Further Losing The Support Of Republicans On The Iran War, New Poll Shows

A new poll has found that the Iran war remains unpopular in the U.S., with more than 70 percent of respondents disapprove of President Trump's handling of foreign affairs.

The CNN poll, which was conducted by SSRS, also found that nearly two-thirds of respondents do not believe the U.S. is winning the war and 78 percent don't believe that President Trump is doing enough to end the conflict.

More troubling for the president, the survey showed that support for the war and his handling of it is also declining among Republicans.

Approval of Trump's handling of the Iran war has declined from 33 percent a month ago to 26 percent. Trump's numbers among Republicans and his core supporters is driving much of the decline. In March, 73 percent of Republicans approved of the president's handling of Iran. That figure has now fallen to 60 percent.

Trump launched the Iran war in February. The administration initially said that the conflict would last a few weeks, but it has stretched on for months.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the U.S. is open to holding talks with Iran as Tehran also appears to be opening the door to renewed conversations.

Speaking to NBC's Today show, Rubio said Washington representatives could meet with Iranian counterparts "especially ⁠if it has the prospects of leading to something positive and ultimately achieving the goal of what this is all about".

Trump said he would probably be open to meeting with Pezeshkian, who is expected to travel to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

In this context, Iran said it can reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a matter of seven days if it reaches a deal with the U.S. to ease military pressure and lift the blockade of its ports.

The war has also contributed to a spike in fuel prices. According to AAA, diesel now averages $6.52 a gallon, up from $3.68 a gallon last year. High diesel prices can raise the cost of many goods and services by increasing trucking, shipping, and agricultural costs.

Regular gas is also relatively high, at an average of $4.47 now compared to $3.18 a year ago.

The Iran war has never been popular. According to the polling website Silver Bulletin, which examines numerous polls and creates a composite score, support for the war has never gotten above about 40 percent. However, according to the CNN poll, the war's length, its impact, and the fact that a resolution does not appear to be in sight are eroding any support further.