Congress passes war powers measure for first time, rebuking Trump's war with Iran

It could, however, be subject to a legal challenge.

The vote marks the first time that both chambers of Congress have approved a concurrent resolution instructing a president to end a military action since the War Powers Resolution of 1973 was enacted.

Its passing is significant because it adds to the pressure the White House is facing to find an end to the Iran War, as petrol prices have spiked and public opposition to the war has increased.

The BBC contacted the White House for comment.

Currently, the US and Iran have agreed to continue a ceasefire and are working toward an end of hostilities under a memorandum of understanding that was signed by leaders of both countries last week.

The vote on Tuesday, though, also marked the latest sign of division within Trump's Republican Party.

Republican Senators Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy voted with Democrats in support of the resolution. Their affirmation paired with the absence of two other Republicans, including Senator Mitch McConnell, made way for the measure to pass.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only member of his party to vote against it.

Federal law requires congressional approval to continue military actions for more than 60 days. The US-Israel strikes began on 28 February but the Trump administration has argued that ceasefires have re-started the clock.

The White House can also extend the deadline 30 days, citing national security.

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by attacking Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping that sees about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through.

In April, the US announced it would impose a blockade on ships travelling to or from Iran's coast.

The US and Iran reached an initial ceasefire agreement on 8 April, which did not hold.

An interim deal was signed last week aiming to end the conflict, but both the US and Iran continue to clash on details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).