US House votes to halt Iran war in fresh rebuke to Donald Trump

The Republican-led US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran unless authorised by Congress. The measure, however, is largely symbolic and is not expected to stop the ongoing conflict.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal, was approved by a 214-208 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. It directs Trump "to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities" against Iran unless Congress authorises military action.

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The four Republicans who voted in favour were Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

Despite the vote, the resolution is unlikely to have any practical impact. Congress has passed similar war powers resolutions in recent months, but they have not resulted in an end to the conflict.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate. The Senate was scheduled to vote later on Thursday on a separate but similar resolution.

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The House vote came after Trump announced an escalation in US attacks on Iran following the deaths of more American service members. On Thursday, Trump warned of "major military punishment" for Iran and its Houthi allies after Yemen's Houthi fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, widening the conflict to another key global shipping route.

Separately, the US military carried out another overnight round of airstrikes on Iran, two weeks after the collapse of an interim truce. Iran responded by firing at US bases in neighbouring countries.