The Republican-led US House of Representatives has backed legislation directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran, the latest symbolic rebuke of the Republican president from Congress, Reuters reports.

The vote was 214-208 in favour of the war powers resolution as four Republicans joined Democrats in voting for it.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat, directs Trump “to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities” against Iran unless Congress authorises it.

However, it is largely symbolic; lawmakers have passed similar resolutions repeatedly in recent months, but they have not led to cessation of the war.

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

The Senate is due to vote on a separate, but similar, resolution later today.