The US House of Representatives has voted for the third time to restrict President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting a resolution that directs the administration to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran, CNN reported.

The resolution, introduced by Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, passed 220-204 on Tuesday. It directs the President to “remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran”, while allowing exceptions for forces involved in specified defensive circumstances.

The latest vote drew more Republican support than the two previous House efforts in June and July. Seven Republicans backed the measure. Three of them, Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn of Iowa and Nancy Mace of South Carolina, had not supported the earlier resolutions.

They were joined by Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. All four had previously supported efforts to limit Trump’s war powers.

Nunn defended his decision after the vote in a post on X. “I will not support another open-ended war. We can defend Americans, pressure Iran, and pursue peace while ensuring Congress fulfils its constitutional responsibility.”

The House vote comes as lawmakers prepare to leave Washington for the campaign period ahead of the November midterm elections. It marks the third congressional effort in the House to restrict Trump’s military authority over Iran since the conflict began.

The resolution now faces an uncertain future in the Senate. A previous Senate war-powers resolution passed, but Republican senators later reversed course following pressure from Trump, according to CNN. The latest measure would have to pass the Senate before it could reach the President.

The financial cost of the conflict has also emerged as a major concern for lawmakers. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the war had cost the US Department of Defence around USD 38 billion as of August 1. It projected additional monthly costs of between USD 2 billion and USD 3 billion, depending on the intensity of fighting.

The CBO also linked the conflict to higher energy prices and increased inflationary pressure. Disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have added pressure to global energy markets.

The latest vote has again brought the administration’s Iran policy and the constitutional division of war powers into focus. The House remains divided over continued military operations and the extent of presidential authority over US forces.