Trump Considers 'Operation Sledgehammer' if Iran War Continues
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering relaunching military operations against Iran under a different name, one of which is ‘Operation Sledgehammer’, if the fragile ceasefire imposed since early April collapses.
A report by US media outlet NBC News, as cited by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (13/5/2026), indicates that US officials are discussing renaming the military operation against Iran, previously known as ‘Operation Epic Fury’, should Trump decide to resume large-scale combat operations.
NBC News reports that these discussions reflect growing expectations within the Trump administration that the war with Iran may continue amid stalled diplomatic efforts and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, some Trump administration officials believe that using a new name could strengthen the White House’s argument that the renewed operation constitutes a separate military action under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which limits how long a president can conduct military operations without congressional approval.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently told reporters that ‘Operation Epic Fury’ has ended following the agreement between Washington and Tehran to halt hostilities last month and proceed with negotiations.
The report mentions that US military capabilities in the region have increased since the conflict erupted in late February.
The Pentagon, or US Department of Defense, has yet to provide a direct response to the report.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on 28 February. Tehran retaliated with waves of missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
Iran has also effectively restricted transit activities in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies.
The ceasefire was imposed on 8 April through mediation by Pakistan, but peace talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement to permanently end the war. Trump subsequently extended the ceasefire without a specified time limit.
Recently, the ceasefire has been threatened after Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal in response to the US peace plan. Trump described Tehran’s proposal as ‘stupid’ and ‘rubbish’.
He also described the US-Iran ceasefire in place since early April as being in a ‘critical condition’. Trump is reportedly considering a new military strike to pressure Tehran.
The Iranian government, on Tuesday (12/5), rejected the idea of altering its proposal. Tehran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued an ultimatum to the US that there is ‘no other alternative’ but to accept the terms of Iran’s 14-point proposal for Middle East peace, or face ‘failure’.