Rising fuel prices and economic knock-on effects from the U.S.-Israel military conflict with Iran contributed to a steady decline in Donald Trump's public approval ratings

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High gas prices and rising living costs driven by the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February, have put Republicans on the defensive ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections

The joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran has been ongoing since February 2026

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February, has caused at least 3,400 deaths and 33,000 injuries

An October 2026 AP-NORC poll found that seven in ten American voters believe the government should prioritize ending the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February

A September 2026 Fox News poll found that six in ten Americans oppose military action against Iran that has continued since February, and more than 70 percent believe Donald Trump lacks an end plan

An October 2026 Moody's estimate found that surging fuel prices, airfares, and mortgage rates tied to the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February, cost each American household an average of $2,000

Public dissatisfaction with affordability, inflation, and high gas prices stemming from the Iran war has driven down President Donald Trump's approval ratings ahead of the midterms

Average U.S. gas prices reached $4.26 per gallon on October 21, 2026, up almost $1.21 from the prior year following U.S. strikes on Iran and conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, according to AAA

The Iranian government is withholding salaries, pensions, and benefits from public-sector workers, internal security forces, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel due to financial strain.

The U.S. naval blockade has cost Iran an estimated $25 billion in lost crude oil export revenue since the war began.

U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is failing to pay its own military troops amid severe financial strain.

Average gas prices in the United States reached $4.31 a gallon on October 17, 2026, representing an increase of nearly 45 percent since the start of the U.S. war with Iran.

U.S. national average gas prices reached $4.28 per gallon and diesel reached $6.32 per gallon following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran in February 2026.

President Donald Trump's presidential approval rating stood at 38% in the Silver Bulletin polling average, affected by economic fatigue and the war with Iran.

Incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted broke with President Donald Trump by stating that the war with Iran needs to end to lower gas prices.

Voter frustration over rising prices and the war in Iran made several 2026 U.S. Senate contests surprisingly competitive.

Blake Gendebien criticized Donald Trump's military actions in Iran, citing their impact on gas prices and lack of congressional approval.

Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson and Republican Representative Scott Perry participated in their single election debate covering the Iran war, healthcare, and the 2020 presidential election aftermath.

Rising diesel fuel prices and increased living costs facing American households have been driven in part by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran

Farm state Republicans urged the Trump administration to address rising diesel costs caused by market disruptions linked to the war in Iran