WASHINGTON — The U.S. military is considering officially renaming the war with Iran "Operation Sledgehammer" if the current ceasefire collapses and President Donald Trump decides to restart major combat operations. Operation Sledgehammer is not the only name under consideration, according to U.S. officials.
The war with Iran started on February 28, 2026, and offensive combat operations were paused after 40 days of fighting when the U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in early April 2026. The Trump administration declared an end to Operation Epic Fury after the ceasefire was reached and informed Congress that hostilities with Iran had terminated.
"Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
The Pentagon has continued to describe the conflict with Iran as Operation Epic Fury, including when providing public updates. According to a Pentagon official, Operation Epic Fury continues and the ceasefire has only paused major combat operations.
According to a White House official, any new military combat operations against Iran would be conducted under a new name, which would effectively restart the clock with Congress. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of starting combat. If the president does not notify Congress within that window, troops must be withdrawn within 60 days or Congress must authorize the military action. The Trump administration has argued that, given the pause in offensive operations, it has not reached the 60-day threshold under the War Powers Resolution.
The U.S. and Iran have exchanged fire in recent days. Iran has halted ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has continued a blockade of the strait. The president is considering various options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and breaking the stalemate.
According to a U.S. official, Trump is deeply skeptical that diplomatic talks with Iran will succeed. The president has not ordered the U.S. military to restart major combat operations against Iran.