Iran War Linked to Gas Prices and Midterm Risks for Trump

U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February led to a significant rise in global oil prices, which has persisted for eight months.

The average U.S. gas price has increased from $2.98 to $4.25 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.

A Reuters Ipsos poll found 78% of respondents blamed Trump's policies for general price increases, linking his foreign actions to domestic costs.

Historically, midterms serve as a referendum on the president, with the party in power often losing ground in Congress.

Republicans currently hold a four-seat Senate majority, with 20 of 33 contested seats, while Democrats hold 13.

Despite Trump's 'America First' agenda, which in part involved a promise to extricate the country from foreign conflicts, his foreign policy decisions, including the Iran war, have drawn criticism for their domestic impact.

The war has become increasingly unpopular, with nearly two-thirds of Americans disapproving, and even more among Republicans and Republican-leaning voters.