The US military is considering renaming Operation Epic Fury amid rising tensions with Iran, as the two nations edge toward renewed conflict. Officials have discussed dubbing any new bombing and missile campaign Operation Sledgehammer if President Donald Trump authorises fresh operations, according to New York-based NBC News.The rename could distinguish it from Operation Epic Fury, launched February 28, and potentially evade the 60-day Congressional approval requirement under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, NBC reported. That resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing forces. Without approval, troops must withdraw within 60 days. The White House claims Operation Epic Fury paused after 40 days, avoiding the limit, per NBC.Since the early-April ceasefire, Iranian gunboats and US destroyers have exchanged fire. Iran continues blocking Strait of Hormuz traffic, while America maintains its blockade of Iranian ports.President Trump dismissed Tehran's latest proposal as “totally unacceptable” and insists it cannot gain nuclear weapons capability.Operationally, US forces are stronger now than at the conflict's start. Reinforcements—an extra carrier strike group and rearmed assets—boost strike capacity for resumed bombing. The blockade squeezes Iran's economy and logistics, NBC says.Trump is currently meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping; many believe the US wants Beijing to pressure ally Iran into abandoning nuclear ambitions.