Pentagon Weighs Renaming Iran Operation to Restart Congressional Clock

U.S. officials are considering renaming any renewed military operation against Iran as a way to restart the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution that requires congressional approval for sustained combat, one official said. The conflict began Feb.

28 under the name Operation Epic Fury. A two-week truce between the United States and Iran took effect April 8 and was extended indefinitely April 21. Efforts to reach a permanent peace agreement have stalled, with neither side agreeing to terms.

A White House official told NBC News that any fresh military action would be conducted under a new name and operation. Two U.S. officials said Operation Sledgehammer was among the names under consideration but not the only option.

Whatever name is chosen, the restart would reset the congressional notification timeline, the official said. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces. The resolution limits troops to 60 days of action, plus a 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization.

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration's understanding is that the 60-day clock pauses or stops during a ceasefire. One official described the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as providing decision space without immediate major combat operations.

Iran has restricted passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz while the United States has conducted its own blockade in the region.