Intense Strikes On Iran, Trump Approval Poll, Georgia Special Election Runoff

What It Covers

U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran enter day 12 with over 1,200 Iranian casualties reported, while a new NPR/PBS/Marist poll shows Trump's overall approval at 38% and economic approval at a record-low 35%.

Key Questions Answered

• •Iran conflict scope: Strikes have killed over 1,200 people across Iran, with residential buildings in Tehran flattened and centuries-old landmarks damaged. Iran has declared banks and economic centers in the Middle East legitimate targets in retaliation, escalating beyond military infrastructure.
• •Energy market disruption: Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, including a UAE refinery processing nearly one million barrels daily, combined with Strait of Hormuz shipping blockages, have driven fuel prices up 40% in some Nigerian cities and triggered emergency oil reserve discussions globally.
• •Trump's political vulnerability: 56% of Americans oppose U.S. military action in Iran, and independents — a group Trump won in 2024 — oppose involvement 61% to 39%. Democrats hold a nine-point advantage in midterm congressional ballot polling, with the economy remaining voters' top concern.
• •Georgia special election signals: Democrat Sean Harris raised $4 million and significantly outperformed his prior race against Greene in a deep-red district, forcing a runoff against Trump-endorsed Clay Fuller. Watch runoff turnout as an early indicator of Democratic enthusiasm heading into 2026 midterms.