The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution Wednesday directing President Donald Trump to remove American armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress formally declares war or authorizes the use of military force. The measure passed 215 to 208, with four Republicans — Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio — breaking from their party to side with a unanimous Democratic caucus. It marks the first time this year that such a resolution has cleared the chamber after three previous attempts failed.

The resolution was introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, opposed the measure, arguing it undermines Trump's leverage in ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast of Florida dismissed the vote as a purely political gesture, saying it weakens the president's negotiating position. A White House official noted that several Republican members were absent for the vote and pointed to the failure of earlier similar resolutions.

The vote had been expected before the Memorial Day recess on May 21 but was abruptly pulled from the floor when it appeared too many Republicans were absent to block it. Johnson adjourned the chamber early in a move widely interpreted as an effort to prevent the resolution from passing. It was revived after the recess and succeeded Wednesday. Rep. Barrett, an Army veteran whose Michigan seat is considered vulnerable in November's midterm elections, said Trump's authority under the War Powers Act of 1973 had expired and that Congress must now decide the scope and limits of the mission.

The United States joined Israel in attacking Iran on February 28, a conflict that will reach its 100th day Saturday. Trump has sought to characterize the military engagement as a "skirmish" or "short-term excursion" and did not seek congressional authorization before committing forces. The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, a provision that has been a point of contention throughout the conflict.

The House resolution is largely symbolic and would not compel Trump to end the war; he could also veto any binding legislation that reaches his desk. However, the vote provides momentum for a Senate version of the resolution that does carry binding language requiring Trump to end the war without congressional approval. That measure has already advanced on the Senate floor but has not received a final vote. For it to become law, it would need to pass the House and survive a presidential veto.