WASHINGTON, D.C.: A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on May 11 showed that two out of three Americans believe President Donald Trump has not explained clearly why the country went ‌to war with Iran.

It also showed his approval rating ticking up from the lowest level of his term.

The four-day poll showed that many people are very worried about rising fuel prices. It also suggests that voters are blaming Trump's Republican allies, who will try to keep their seats in Congress during the November midterm elections.

More than two months after the conflict began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, about 66 percent of people said Trump has not clearly explained why the U.S. is involved in Iran. This includes one in three Republicans and almost all Democrats.

The war, which has slowed recently as both sides talk about peace, has caused gas prices to rise by about 50 percent nationwide. Iran disrupted global oil supply by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, even though U.S. warships tried to reopen it.

About 63 percent of Americans say higher gas prices have hurt their personal finances, up from 55 percent in a poll taken in mid-March.

Around 36 percent of people approve of Trump's performance, slightly higher than 34 percent in late April, which was his lowest rating during this term. The poll has a margin of error of three percentage points.

Trump's approval is still below the 40 percent he had before the war. He began his term in January 2025 with 47 percent approval, having won the election by promising to reduce costs.

Republicans currently hold small majorities in both the House and Senate and are trying to keep control in the midterms. Recent court decisions may help them by changing voting district boundaries in their favor. Party strategists believe their chances would improve if gas prices drop.

However, with no agreement yet between the U.S. and Iran, about 30 percent of Americans say they may cut back on summer travel if fuel prices stay high, with many planning to cancel trips or travel shorter distances.

Trump has said gas prices will fall after the war ends, but experts warn this may not happen quickly. People are also unsure who is winning the conflict – only about one-third think the U.S. has the advantage, while about one in seven think Iran does. The rest are unsure or believe neither side is ahead.