Summary

The US military is considering renaming its Iran war campaign "Operation Sledgehammer" if the ongoing ceasefire collapses and US President Donald Trump decides to resume active combat operations against the Islamic regime, NBC News cited two US officials as saying on Tuesday. Any new military combat operations against Iran would be conducted under a new operation name, a White House official familiar with the discussions told NBC. "Operation Sledgehammer" is not the only name being considered for renewed active combat operations, the officials said. If Trump resumes a bombing campaign, the US military presence in the region is far larger now than when Operation Epic Fury began in February, two officials told NBC. "We are in a better spot now than on February 27. We have more firepower and capability," one of the officials added. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) continues to enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Renaming the operation could allow Trump to argue that Operation Sledgehammer is separate from Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, and thus, would not warrant seeking Congressional approval for continued military action after 60 days of operations, NBC reported. The Trump administration, however, is still arguing that the 60-day threshold outlined as part of the 1973 War Powers Resolution has not passed, as Operation Epic Fury's active combat operations ceased after 40 days when the ceasefire was announced, NBC noted. A Pentagon spokesperson directed NBC's inquiries to the White House. The White House did not respond to NBC's request for comment on the matter. Rubio announces end of Operation Epic Fury, says US has concluded offensive stage of Iran war Last Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Operation Epic Fury has ended and that the US has transitioned to taking defensive action in enforcing its blockade of Iranian ports. "Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation," Rubio told reporters, saying that the offensive stage of the war with Iran was "over." "We are only responding if attacked first. This is a defensive operation," Rubio said. "If no shots are fired at these ships and no shots are fired at us, we're not firing shots, but if we're fired on, we will respond." Reuters contributed to this report.