Prolonged war in Iran could test Republicans' loyalty to Trump: poll

Key Points:

• A new AP-NORC poll shows that while 63% of Republicans support airstrikes against Iranian military targets, only 20% back deploying U.S. ground troops, reflecting wariness about a prolonged Middle East conflict despite backing President Trump.
• About three-quarters of Republicans approve of Trump’s overall presidency and his handling of Iran, with many expressing strong trust in his foreign policy decisions, including efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Rising gas prices amid the Iran war are causing concern among Republicans, with around 60% somewhat worried about affording gas in the coming months, posing a potential challenge for Trump’s support base.
• Some Republican voters, like Stephen Hauss and Thomas Sweeney, have become frustrated with the war in Iran, signaling possible erosion of support if the conflict deepens or U.S. ground troops are deployed.
• The poll highlights a tension for Republicans between supporting efforts to contain Iran and the economic impact of rising fuel costs, with many urging Trump to focus on domestic issues like lowering gas prices.