Members of the United States’ house of representatives have passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove US forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorised by congress.
The resolution, passed on Wednesday, saw four Republicans joining Democrats to vote 215-208.
It is the first time the Republican-controlled house has approved a measure seeking to force Trump to wind down military operations against Tehran since the war began in February.
The vote, however, is mostly symbolic, as it would still have to pass through the Republican-led senate. Even if it slips past the senate, Trump is expected to veto the call.
Wednesday’s directive was issued pursuant to Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, the house said.
Under the War Powers Act, presidents have 60 days to obtain congressional approval after introducing US forces into hostilities.
That deadline passed weeks ago, and Democrats say Trump is now breaking the law.
The White House argues that the clock was paused by an April ceasefire.
Democrats have also accused Trump of violating the law by launching strikes on Iran alongside Israel without congressional authorisation.
Trump has said the war against Iran is already over. But on Wednesday, both sides exchanged fresh strikes, with little sign of real progress in peace negotiations.
