Pentagon Prepares to Rename Iran Ops if Ceasefire Ends

The Pentagon is preparing to rename its military operations against Iran from Operation Epic Fury to Operation Sledgehammer or another designation if the current ceasefire collapses and major combat resumes, according to U.S. officials familiar with the discussions.

The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Offensive operations under Operation Epic Fury continued for 40 days until early April, when both sides agreed to a ceasefire to allow diplomatic negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that Operation Epic Fury had concluded after achieving its objectives. However, Pentagon updates have continued to reference the operation by that name, with one official describing the ceasefire as a pause in major combat activities rather than a full end to hostilities.

Tensions have escalated recently as indirect talks mediated by Pakistan stalled. On Sunday, Iran submitted its latest proposal, which President Donald Trump rejected as "totally unacceptable" in a social media post. Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump described the ceasefire as on "massive life support," likening its chances of survival to...