WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States (US) House of Representatives passed a largely symbolic resolution Thursday calling for President Donald Trump to halt military action against Iran, delivering another congressional rebuke as the Middle East war sharply escalates.

The measure — which passed 214-208 after four Republicans joined opposition Democrats in support — directs Trump to remove US forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorises the war.

But as a concurrent resolution, it does not go to the president for signature and carries disputed legal force, meaning Trump is almost certain to ignore it.