Pentagon mulls dramatic ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ rebrand if Iran ceasefire collapses

WASHINGTON, DC: The Pentagon is reportedly considering rebranding America’s military campaign against Iran as ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ if the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran collapses and major combat operations resume.

The discussions inside the Trump administration underscore growing concern that the conflict could quickly reignite despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Trump administration quietly prepares for possible return to full-scale combat

Two US officials told NBC News that the US military is considering a formal renaming of the war with Iran to ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ if the current cease-fire breaks and President Donald Trump decides to restart major combat operations.

The discussions about possibly replacing ‘Operation Epic Fury’ with ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ highlight the seriousness with which the administration is considering restarting the war that began February 28 and could allow Trump to argue that it resets the 60-day clock that requires congressional approval for war.

The Trump administration declared an end to Operation Epic Fury after the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in early April to pursue diplomatic negotiations.

But the Pentagon has continued to describe the conflict with Iran as Operation Epic Fury, including when providing public updates.

One Pentagon official said that Epic Fury continues and that the ceasefire simply has paused major combat operations.

Any new military combat operations against Iran would be conducted under a new name and operation, a White House official familiar with the discussions said.

From the administration’s point of view, this would essentially reset the clock with Congress. Operation Sledgehammer is not the only name under consideration, according to the US officials.

“The president notified Congress, we’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio said during a White House briefing. Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation.”

War powers debate intensifies as ceasefire weakens

Beyond the optics, the possible rebranding could have major legal and political implications in Washington.

If Trump decides to begin another bombing campaign, the US military presence in the region is larger now than when Operation Epic Fury began in February, according to one of the officials and the third official.

The US military brought in an additional carrier strike group and replaced and rearmed some of its assets used during the first two months of Operation Epic Fury, according to public remarks by Hegseth. 

“We are in a better spot now than on Feb. 27,” one of the US officials said. “We have more firepower and capability.”

The possibility of a dramatic rebrand reflects how uncertain the situation has become as the administration balances diplomacy, military pressure and growing domestic debate over America’s expanding role in the Middle East.

For now, ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ remains only one of several names reportedly under consideration.