Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, poll finds

TLE DESK: Most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran, according to a new Associated Press-NORC poll, even as his overall approval rating remains unchanged.

The survey found that 65 per cent of US adults disapprove of Trump’s approach to Iran, highlighting continued public scepticism over a conflict that began in February and has dominated foreign policy discussions for months.

Opinion remains sharply divided along party lines. While large majorities of Democrats and independents disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, only 28 per cent of Republicans expressed dissatisfaction.

The poll, conducted between June 11 and June 17, coincided with a dramatic shift in US policy as Trump moved from threatening further escalation to announcing a new agreement with Tehran.

Overall approval of Trump’s presidency stands at 37 per cent, unchanged from a similar survey conducted in May.

Only around one-third of Americans approve of the president’s handling of Iran, a figure that has remained largely stable in recent months despite efforts to end hostilities and restart negotiations.

The agreement with Iran includes measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, resume talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme and allow Iran to resume unrestricted oil exports. In return, Iran has agreed to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

However, the deal has drawn criticism from both opponents and some supporters of the president, who argue it does not go far enough in addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The survey also found that a majority of Americans believe US military action against Iran has gone too far. Fifty-three per cent said Washington’s involvement had exceeded acceptable limits, although that figure was slightly lower than in March.

Views on Trump’s handling of Israel were similarly negative, with only 34 per cent of respondents approving of his approach amid rising tensions between Washington and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, public confidence in Trump’s economic management remains weak. About one-third of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, unchanged from last month.

While Republican voters remain broadly supportive, some expressed frustration over persistent inflation and high living costs, arguing the administration has yet to deliver on promises to improve economic conditions.

The findings suggest that despite recent diplomatic developments with Iran, the president continues to face significant public scepticism on both foreign policy and economic issues ahead of the next phase of his administration.