U.S. Considers Changing Iran War Operation Name to 'Sledgehammer'... Will Attacks Resume?

The Trump administration is reportedly considering changing the name of the operation from the current "Epic Fury" to "Sledgehammer" if it breaks the ceasefire with Iran and resumes hostilities.

NBC News, citing two U.S. government officials, reported this development. According to NBC, the discussion of a new operation name demonstrates how seriously the Trump administration is contemplating a resumption of the war against Iran.

On February 28 (local time), the US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Spruance launched Tomahawk land-attack missiles to support Operation Magnificent Fury. Photo by UPI

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If U.S. military action against Iran resumes under a new operation name, President Trump could claim that the "war clock" has been reset to zero. This appears to be an attempt to circumvent the 60-day limit imposed by Congress once again. According to the War Powers Act of 1973, the U.S. President must notify Congress within 48 hours of commencing hostilities. If notification is not provided, U.S. forces must be withdrawn within 60 days or obtain congressional approval for continued military action. The Trump administration maintains that there is no issue because Operation Epic Fury was halted after 40 days of combat.

On February 28, the United States launched military operations against Iran under the name "Epic Fury." Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on the 5th of this month that Operation Epic Fury had achieved its objectives and was concluded. However, a Defense Department official told NBC that Operation Epic Fury is still ongoing and that the ceasefire is merely a temporary pause in major combat operations.

NBC reported, after confirming with multiple U.S. officials, that other names are also being considered besides "Operation Sledgehammer." When the Trump administration conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June of last year, the operation was called "Midnight Hammer." The outlet also noted that if President Trump decides to launch a new military operation against Iran, the size of U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East is expected to increase compared to Operation Epic Fury.