The latest
Political pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump months after the war with Iran, as opposition grows in Congress and public support for both the conflict and the subsequent agreement with Tehran continues to weaken.
In a significant vote Tuesday, the Senate approved a resolution by a 50-48 margin calling for an end to military operations against Iran unless Congress provides explicit authorization. While the measure is largely symbolic and not legally binding, four Republican senators broke with the White House, delivering a notable political rebuke to the president.
Details
• Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Bill Cassidy and Rand Paul voted against the administration’s position.
• The vote follows weeks of growing criticism in Congress over the war’s military and economic costs.
• A Reuters/Ipsos survey found that only 24% of Americans believe the war was worth the price, while roughly half said the conflict failed to justify its costs.
• Just 23% said the United States is in a stronger position toward Iran than before the war, while 35% believe Washington’s position has weakened.
• The poll also found that 63% of Americans do not expect Trump’s agreement with Tehran to lead to lasting peace between the two countries.
• Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 34%, down from 47% at the start of his current term and equal to the lowest level recorded during his second presidency.
• The findings reinforce earlier polling that showed broad public skepticism toward military intervention in Iran.
What to watch
The next major test may come in November’s midterm elections. A war that Trump presented as a step toward strengthening U.S. security is increasingly becoming a political liability, while doubts about his Iran strategy are spreading beyond Democrats and into Republican ranks.
