Trump approval rating falls to record low of 33%, poll shows

US President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point during his term, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that highlights rising concerns among Americans over the potential for a prolonged conflict with Iran and its impact on energy prices and the economy.

The four-day poll found that only 33% of respondents approve of Trump's performance, while 64% said they disapprove. The approval rating fell from 35% in an earlier August poll, matching the lowest level recorded during his presidency in December 2017.

The results come as Trump's popularity has suffered significantly since his return to the White House last year, when his approval was close to 50%. The president has faced mounting pressure following his decision to launch strikes on Iran in coordination with Israel, a key US ally.

The conflict has disrupted around 20% of global oil trade, contributing to higher gasoline prices in the United States and increasing pressure on American households and Republicans seeking to maintain their majority in the upcoming midterm congressional elections in November.

Trump campaigned on promises to control inflation and avoid long-term wars, and initially stated that the conflict with Iran would last only a few weeks. He justified the military action as the only way to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon that could threaten the world.

However, Iran's continued resilience and the ongoing disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a decrease in fighting, have heightened American fears of a drawn-out conflict.

According to the poll, 80% of Americans believe US involvement in Iran will last a long time, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, while only 16% expect the conflict to end within a few weeks.

The online poll surveyed 1,166 adults from across the United States, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.