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

Summary

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Up First from NPR – Episode Summary

Date: March 11, 2026
Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep
Main Topics: Intense Strikes On Iran, Trump Approval Poll, Georgia Special Election Runoff

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Episode Overview

This episode focuses on three pressing stories: the escalation of U.S. and Israeli military action in Iran and its global repercussions, particularly in energy markets; the political impact on President Trump’s approval ratings amid ongoing conflict; and the results and implications of a consequential special congressional election in Georgia. The reporting features field updates, poll analysis, and firsthand accounts, providing a wide perspective on both international crises and their domestic political sequelae.

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1. Intensified Strikes on Iran

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Escalation in Iran:

  • U.S. and Israeli military strikes have reached a peak, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declaring Tuesday as “the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.” (01:42)
  • Iranian governmental sources vow to retaliate, now considering banks and economic centers as legitimate targets.
  • Official reports and activists note over 1,200 deaths across Iran, with heavy civilian and residential building casualties in Tehran and nearby regions.
  • “People who've left Tehran through the Turkish border have been telling NPR they're fleeing because the sky is red from bombings.” – Eva Trowi (01:57)

• Damage Extent:

  • Historic sites and palaces alongside homes have been affected, especially in Tehran and Isfahan.
  • Pentagon and Israeli sources claim only military targets are being hit, but civilian destruction is visible in third-party and Red Crescent footage.

• Oil and Energy Market Repercussions:

  • Crucial oil routes like the Strait of Hormuz are obstructed, fueling sharp rises in gas prices globally.
  • Iran has retaliated by attacking Gulf energy infrastructure, notably the UAE's largest refinery.
  • “The cost of gas is not only rising in the U.S., but also in places with fragile economies like Egypt and parts of Nigeria where fuel has gone up as much as 40% in some cities, sparking panic buying and long fuel lines.” – Eva Trowi (03:18)
  • Strategic oil reserves may be tapped to alleviate pressures.

• Information Blackout & Unknowns:

  • Internet blackouts and fear of government reprisal stifle the flow of accurate information from Iran.
  • Unverified reports: New Iranian Supreme Leader Mushtaba Khamenei may have been wounded, but no independent confirmation exists.
  • U.S. troop casualties: 7 killed, 150 wounded since the war’s onset.
  • Reporting and satellite imagery is hampered by new censorship and delays: “Planet Labs… announced a 14 day delay to the release of imagery over the region.” – Eva Trowi (04:16)

Notable Moments & Quotes

• “Internet is cut across Iran and many people are fearful of sharing what they're seeing, even in messages.” – Eva Trowi (01:57)
• “You know, the Pentagon and Israeli military are only confirming hits on military targets. And a new video from the U.S. military shows strikes on Iranian vessels yesterday, including 16 Iranian mine laying ships near the Strait of Hormuz.” – Eva Trowi (01:57)
• “People have been saying for a long time that the economy is their top concern.” – Domenico Montanaro (05:44)

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2. Trump’s Waning Approval Amid War

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Poll Findings:

  • Majority of Americans (56%) now oppose U.S. military action in Iran. Only 36% approve of Trump’s handling of the war, and 35% approve of his performance on the economy—the lowest of his presidency. (05:44)
  • “Trump has just a 40% approval on immigration… It's only 38% overall. And it's even worse on the economy. It's just 35%. Now, that's the worst we've ever seen for Trump.” – Domenico Montanaro (05:44)
  • Over half of respondents consider Iran a minor or non-threat.

• Republican Base Remains Loyal:

  • About 8 in 10 Republicans continue to support Trump, despite his divergence from some previous anti-interventionist positions.
  • Dissent is more apparent in influencers than in rank-and-file GOP voters.
  • Largest opinion shift is among independents: 61% oppose U.S. involvement in Iran.

• Electoral Implications:

  • Voter enthusiasm is higher among Democrats, who have a 9-point advantage on the generic House ballot.
  • Economic worries remain the top voting issue, and perceptions of mishandling oil prices and the economy are hurting Trump’s standing leading into midterms.
  • “Waging war overseas certainly doesn't help Trump make a case that he's focused on the economy and that it's his top concern.” – Domenico Montanaro (08:28)
  • History of skepticism toward prolonged military involvement post-Iraq and Afghanistan persists.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• “We've seen some influencers in the MAGA sphere speak out against the war… but that's not the majority of rank and file Republicans.” – Domenico Montanaro (06:34)
• “The most popular choice for voters and for Trump right now is undecided, with months left to go in the race.” – Stephen Fowler (13:12)

Timestamps:

• Iran war poll results and analysis: (05:24 – 09:11)

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3. Georgia Special Election Runoff

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Election Outcome:

  • No candidate received more than 50% of the vote to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, prompting a runoff. Trump-endorsed Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Sean Harris advance. (09:21)
  • Sean Harris outperformed prior Democratic efforts, raising $4 million, but the district remains heavily Republican.

• Trump's Influence and Endorsements:

  • Fuller's campaign centered on his identity as a “MAGA warrior,” but several GOP candidates sought to distance themselves from Greene’s style.
  • “All of the Republicans, for the most part, indicated they would be a much lower profile pick in Washington than Greene.” – Stephen Fowler (10:13)
  • Despite many Republicans seeking Trump’s endorsement, some conservative voters cited alternative America First candidates as better aligned with their values.

• Barriers to a Clear Trump Victory:

  • Split field with 17 candidates and low turnout complicated the Republican path to outright victory.
  • In other key states, Trump's endorsements sometimes carried weight and sometimes did not:
    • Example: In North Carolina’s Senate primary, Trump’s handpicked candidate only secured 60% despite high-profile backing. (11:42)
  • Growing voter willingness to consider candidates outside Trump’s direct picks.

• Upcoming Runoffs & Endorsements:

  • Trump teasers on endorsements in Texas Senate seat, with the Republican field and voters still undecided in critical Georgia and Texas races.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• “Trump's still the most popular figure in Republican politics. He's reshaped the party in his image.” – Stephen Fowler (10:13)
• “You are increasingly seeing Republican voters feel comfortable acknowledging his choice isn't the only one.” – Stephen Fowler (10:38)
• “One notable result to me was North Carolina's U.S. senate primary… his seal of approval could not clear the field.” – Stephen Fowler (11:42)

Timestamps:

• Georgia election segment: (09:21 – 13:12)

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Memorable Quotes

• “Internet is cut across Iran and many people are fearful of sharing what they're seeing, even in messages due to fear of retaliation from the government.” – Eva Trowi (01:57)
• “Gas prices have gone up sharply in the past week. People do notice...they knew to the penny how much they'd been paying for gas.” – Steve Inskeep (02:58)
• “Democrats have a higher level of enthusiasm, and in our poll, Democrats have a nine point advantage...” – Domenico Montanaro (08:28)
• “Trump's still the most popular figure in Republican politics. He's reshaped the party in his image.” – Stephen Fowler (10:13)

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Key Timestamps for Reference

• [01:42] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promises “most intense day of strikes”
• [01:57] Eva Trowi reports from Dubai on situation in Iran
• [03:18] Oil markets, global impact, and fuel shortages
• [05:24] Discussion of new NPR/PBS/Marist poll on Trump, Iran, and the economy
• [09:21] Georgia special election results and analysis

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Tone & Style

The episode is direct and urgent, with the grounded, fact-heavy analysis characteristic of NPR news. Hosts and correspondents strike a balance between breaking news and deeper political implications, with a focus on clarity and calm amid global turbulence.

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Transcript

[Layla Falden]

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Tuesday would bring the most intense strikes across Iran.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now, video from the Red Crescent shows rescuers in the rubble of what appear to be residential buildings.

[Layla Falden]

I'm Layla Falden. That's Steven Skeep. And this is up first from NPR News. A new poll finds a majority of Americans do not support US Military action in Iran. And the president's approval rating on the economy has hit its lowest point yet. What does that mean in a midterm election year?

[Steve Inskeep]

Also in Georgia, the special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacant House seat is heading to a runoff. A Democrat had a strong performance and now faces a Republican who was endorsed by President Trump. What can that election tell us about the midterm voting? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Eva Trowi]

This message comes from BetterHelp. This international women's Day.

[Layla Falden]

Let's celebrate the leaders, the caregivers, the

[Steve Inskeep]

hype, friends with all they handle.

[Stephen Fowler]

Women need to care for themselves and

[Eva Trowi]

therapy's a great way to do that.

[Steve Inskeep]

Visit betterhelp.com NPR the last time the United States and Israel attacked Iran, they called it the 12 day war. The current war may need some different name because we have reached day 12 with no sign of the end. Iran is talking of imposing more pain in retaliation for the US And Israeli attacks. Its government said they now consider banks and economic centers a target in the Middle East. This after Iranians say one of their banks was targeted. Pete Hegseth, the civilian head of the US Military made a promise on Tuesday.

[Domenico Montanaro]

Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran.

[Steve Inskeep]

That was yesterday. So how much damage is the U.S. doing? NPR's international correspondent Eva Trowi is in Dubai. Hi there.

[Eva Trowi]

Good morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

What have you learned?

[Eva Trowi]

Well, Internet is cut across Iran and many people are fearful of sharing what they're seeing, even in messages due to fear of retaliation from the government. But you know, based on the information that is coming out from official statements and activist groups, we know that Already more than 1200 people have been killed across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent Rescue Service also published a video overnight showing a residential area struck in the capital Tehran, standing over the rubble of a building there. And people who've left Tehran through the Turkish border have been telling NPR they're fleeing because the sky is red from bombings. And they have also reported multi story residential buildings being flattened in Tehran. Now, in addition to homes, we've also seen damage emerging from centuries old landmarks and palaces in Tehran and cities south like Ishfahan, 300 miles south of Tehran. But you know, the Pentagon and Israeli military are only confirming hits on military targets. And a new video from the US military shows strikes on Iranian vessels yesterday, including 16 Iranian mine laying ships near the Strait of Hormuz. You know, that's that narrow waterway that much of the world's oil was passing through.

[Steve Inskeep]

So I'm glad you mentioned oil. I want to tell you in Dubai what's happening here in the United States. Gas prices have gone up sharply in the past week. People do notice. I was talking with somebody yesterday who said, you know, I don't follow politics, but they knew to the penny how much they'd been paying for gas. So that's the U.S. what's happening in energy markets in your part of the world and elsewhere in the world.

[Eva Trowi]

Yeah. So those prices are going up in the US because those ships are stuck, unable to get through the Strait of Hormuz, but also because Iran has been attacking energy sites across the Gulf in response to this war. And the biggest oil refinery in the Gulf actually just hit yesterday here in the uae. Now, before that hit, it was capable of refining nearly a million barrels of crude oil a day. Now that is an addition now to production cuts and suspensions we're already seeing in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and other Gulf Arab states. And you know, the cost of gas is not only rising in the U.S. as you mentioned, but also in places with fragile economies like Egypt and parts of Nigeria where fuel has gone up as much as 40% in some cities, sparking panic buying and long fuel lines there. In Thailand, people are also being asked now to take the stairs to save on energy costs. And so countries are now discussing releasing some of those emergency strategic oil reserves that they have in order to bring prices down.

[Steve Inskeep]

You know, I appreciate the facts that you've got, but what are the unknowns here, the things we don't know?

[Eva Trowi]

So one of the unknowns right now is about Mushtaba Khamenei. Now, he's the new supreme Leader. That was announced this week, but we've heard no public statements from him since his selection this week. And there are reports trickling out of Iran he may have been wounded in the attack that killed his father, the former supreme leader, and members of his immediate family. But there's no way to independently confirm that. Now also we're struggling to get a clear picture of what's happening at bases where US Troops are in the Gulf. The White House was asked and confirmed that around 150 US soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war, in addition to seven killed. But it is increasingly difficult to report on these developments. There are censorship laws in Israel and restrictions on social media posts in the Gulf related to the war. But also satellite imagery is becoming. Restricted Planet Labs, which is a commercial satellite imagery company used by many, announced a 14 day delay to the release of imagery over the region, including Iran, but also those bases where US Troops have been hit.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPRZEH Batrawi, thanks very much for the update. Really appreciate it.

[Eva Trowi]

Thanks, Steve.

[Layla Falden]

A new NPR PBS newsmaris poll finds President Trump is suffering politically because of the US War with Iran.

[Steve Inskeep]

Americans, including some in Trump's base, are skeptical of a prolonged involvement. NPR's senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro is here. Domenico, good morning.

[Domenico Montanaro]

Hey, good morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

What are Americans saying?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Well, we surveyed almost 1600 people with our NPR PBS News Marist poll over the past week. We found that 56% say that they are against the military action. Just 36% approve of Trump's handling of the Iran war and 55% say that they see Iran as only a minor threat or no threat at all. And that mirrors Trump's low approval ratings that we found on other issues. You know, Trump has just a 40% approval on immigration, which had been a strength of his. It's only 38% overall. And it's even worse on the economy. It's just 35%. Now, that's the worst we've ever seen for Trump. And despite this war, we know that people have been saying for a long time that the economy is their top concern.

[Steve Inskeep]

If you just do the math, it would seem that there must be some Republicans who voted for Trump who are not happy with his economic performance.

[Domenico Montanaro]

There are some, but overall, Republicans are largely sticking with Trump. I mean, 8 in 10 approve of the job he's doing on the economy, for example, as well as his handling of Iran. You know, the reality is, look, we've seen some influencers in the MAGA sphere speak out against the war and say that Trump is doing the opposite of what he promised during the presidential campaign. But that's not the majority of rank and file Republicans. Never has been and probably never will be. You know, what we are seeing when it comes to shifts is with independents critical group, especially in these midterm elections, a group that Trump did Well with in 2024 in the presidential election. But they've been aligning with Democrats on nearly every issue in the past year, including on this war. In the survey, 61% of independents are against the U.S. involvement in Iran.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, that's significant. But you're saying eight of 10 Republicans, if not more, are still with the president. Is there anything that would change that?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Maybe. I mean, you can imagine that if, you know, the US Put in ground troops to try and install a new government, stayed for a long time, experienced significant casualties, you'd prob probably see these numbers move in a more negative direction for Trump. You know, the US has already seen seven service members killed after a retaliatory strike by Iran and more than 140injured. But look, after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Americans have been very skeptical of prolonged US Military involvements overseas. The Trump administration knows this. I mean, Trump and people like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been out there trying to tamp down the idea of nation building or a war that would go on for a while. Even that word war is at issue. I mean, we've seen Trump use the word excursion multiple times to describe what's happening. And it's hardly an excursion.

[Steve Inskeep]

But when we think about the election that's coming up this fall. Domenico, ultimately, it seems the vast majority of people go back to their partisan corners, even if they're not happy with their party or their candidate, and they vote the way they voted. We have one close election after another. So what does this mean for the midterms?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Yeah, and obviously the key is who shows up. You know, Democrats have a higher level of enthusiasm, and in our poll, Democrats have a nine point advantage in our poll on the question of which party's candidate are you more likely to vote for in your district Again with the. The economy being the top concern. Waging war overseas certainly doesn't help Trump make a case that he's focused on the economy and that it's his top concern. You know, he's gonna try to do that today with stops in Ohio and Kentucky where he's gonna talk about the economy, but he rarely stays focused on that. And making matters worse for him, the war has already driven up oil and gas prices. As you've been talking about, Democrats started with an advantage in the election because of prices in the economy. Controversies around Trump's immigration policies. The Epstein files have only given Democrats more fodder.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Domenico Mont. Carl, thanks as always.

[Domenico Montanaro]

You're welcome.

[Layla Falden]

The midterms are months away, but there are some election results this morning. Tuesday's special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress will head to a runoff. None of the 17 candidates earn more than 50% of the vote. That includes President Trump's pick to replace Green District attorney Clay Fuller.

[Steve Inskeep]

Mr. Fuller will be in that runoff next month, facing a Democrat, Sean Harris. Harris raised more than $4 million and significantly overperformed compared to when he challenged Green a couple of years ago. But this is still a red district. So with just one Republican opponent, that Republican has the advantage. NPR Stephen Fowler is in Georgia and has been reporting on this race. Hey there, Stephen.

[Stephen Fowler]

Good morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm trying to think about how this fits into the broader political narrative. Marjorie Taylor Greene, huge Trump supporter, fell out with him. Trump turned against her. She resigned. Was the race about that yesterday?

[Stephen Fowler]

Well, all of the Republicans, for the most part, indicated they would be a much lower profile pick in Washington than Greene. She was vocal in her support for Trump and the eventual displeasure. Clay Fuller, he raised a lot of money. He was polished on the campaign trail. Called himself a MAGA warrior when Trump visited the 14th Congressional District earlier this year. Trump's still the most popular figure in Republican politics. He's reshaped the party in his image.

[Layla Falden]

He.

[Stephen Fowler]

At the same time, you are increasingly seeing Republican voters feel comfortable acknowledging his choice isn't the only one.

[Steve Inskeep]

Although, given that it's such a red district, why would Fuller not have gotten 50%? Why would he not have won outright?

[Stephen Fowler]

Well, 17 candidates on the ballot included Democrats, a Libertarian and independent, and it was a lower turnout special election. So it doesn't take much to alter the margins there. Got it. That said, Sarah Kalis at Georgia Public Broadcasting talked to voters who said Trump's pick wasn't the best embodiment of America First. Or Matt, that was Colton Moore. He's one of the most conservative lawmakers in Georgia's state legislature. But also, like we've seen over the last decade of Trump endorsements, pretty much everyone aligns with the president, and sometimes it's about who he thinks is more likely to win.

[Steve Inskeep]

But, yeah, I'm thinking about a nuance here. Trump voters stick with Trump no matter what he does. Very, very loyal. As we know over the years, sometimes his endorsement means a lot and he can crush someone he doesn't like. Sometimes his endorsement seems to mean nothing. Any sense of how it's shaping up in 2026?

[Stephen Fowler]

After last week's election, Trump's campaign political director, James Blair, posted online that everyone Trump endorsed either won outright or advanced to a runoff. And that was true in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas. But many of those were uncontested primaries or there were no serious challengers. That's also the same for yesterday in Mississippi. But one notable result to me was North Carolina's U.S. senate primary, Trump's hand pick, leader of the Republican National Committee and handpicked choice to represent the party in one of the top Senate races. Michael Whatley only got 60% in the primary, so unlike other races and places, his seal of approval could not clear the field. And it's something to keep an eye on in the competitive general election there.

[Steve Inskeep]

Before we even get to the general election, we've got this runoff like the one in Georgia and also one for a Senate seat in Texas, where Trump has not endorsed at all. As I understand it.

[Stephen Fowler]

Well, Trump teased he would quickly make a pick last week between Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Kim Paxton. But but it hasn't happened. One reason he also said the other person should drop out and both Cornyn and Paxton said that ain't happening. Another reason voters won't make their Choice there until May 26th. Here in Georgia, Trump hasn't weighed in on the Republican Senate primary to take on incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff either. There are two congressmen, Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, along with former college football coach Derek Dooley, that are all running somewhat neck and neck in polling. But the most popular choice for voters and for Trump right now is undecided, with months left to go in the race.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, NPR's Stephen Fowler, thanks so much. Really appreciate it.

[Stephen Fowler]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

Hey there. We know your mornings are busy and our job is to help you start the day informed rather than overwhelmed. If you find this program helpful, you can take a moment to leave us a rating or review in your podcast app. It matters. One listener recently said our concise format helps them avoid the stress of doom scrolling. By leaving a review, you are helping others find a more balanced way to start the day. Thanks for listening. And that's up first for this Wednesday, March 11th. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Layla Falden]

And I'm Layla Faulden. Today's episode of up first was edited by Hannah Block, Dana Farrington, Megan Pratts, Mohamed Del Vardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Buch and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. Our technical director is Carly Strange. Our supervising producer is Michael Lipkin. Join us again tomorrow.

[Steve Inskeep]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Washington Wise decisions made in Washington can affect your portfolio every day. Day Washington Wise from Charles Schwab is an original podcast that unpacks the stories making news in Washington. [e-mail] WashingtonWise.