New Delhi, June 5 -- The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 on Wednesday to direct President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from hostilities with Iran, the first time either chamber has passed such a measure since Operation Epic Fury began on 28 February. Four Republicans broke with their party to deliver the resolution, reflecting widening unease within Trump's own ranks over a conflict that has closed the Strait of Hormuz, driven fuel prices sharply higher, and produced no lasting settlement. The vote raises a critical question: does Congress actually have the power to end this war, and if so, how?

Wednesday's resolution is legally significant but operationally constrained. As a concurrent resolution, it does not requi...