Trump-Xi Meeting Ends As US Reportedly Prepares ‘Operation Sledgehammer’ For Possible Fresh Iran Strikes

US President Donald Trump concluded his China visit on Friday after high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but attention quickly shifted back to rising tensions in West Asia as reports claimed that Washington is preparing fresh military options against Iran if the current ceasefire breaks down.

The discussions come amid growing uncertainty over the future of the fragile truce between the US and Iran, with both sides continuing to exchange warnings while diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.

US Considering 'Operation Sledgehammer' If Ceasefire Fails

According to a report by NBC citing American officials, the US military is discussing a possible new name for future military operations against Iran if large-scale strikes resume. The proposed name under consideration is 'Operation Sledgehammer'.

The move follows the suspension of 'Operation Epic Fury', the codename used for previous American strikes on Iran before the two nations agreed to a ceasefire in early April to continue diplomatic talks.

After pausing direct strikes, Washington shifted its strategy towards a port blockade aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran. Iran responded by warning that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the blockade was lifted.

Officials quoted in the report said 'Operation Sledgehammer' is one among several names being reviewed, but discussions around replacing 'Operation Epic Fury' suggest the administration is seriously preparing for the possibility of renewed conflict.

Trump Rejects Iran's Latest Peace Proposal

While negotiations continue behind closed doors, Trump strongly criticised Iran's latest response to a US peace proposal and called it "garbage".

Reports said Tehran's proposal included certain nuclear concessions. However, Trump has repeatedly insisted that Iran must remove highly enriched uranium from the country and permanently halt any effort to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended only for peaceful purposes.

Despite diplomatic channels remaining open, the sharp rhetoric from both sides has increased concerns that the ceasefire could collapse in the coming days.

US And Israel Preparing For Possible Fresh Strikes

The New York Times reported that the US and Israel have already begun preparations for possible new attacks against Iran. Officials involved in ongoing discussions said the military planning underway is the most extensive since the ceasefire came into effect.

The report added that military action could begin as early as next week if negotiations fail to produce a breakthrough.

One option being discussed reportedly includes intensified bombing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and strategic sites. Another proposal involves deploying Special Operations forces to locate and destroy nuclear material believed to be hidden deep underground.

Senior Pentagon officials and military leaders reportedly used the month-long pause in hostilities to replenish weapons stockpiles on warships and aircraft stationed across the region.

Strait Of Hormuz Remains Central To Crisis

Officials from countries participating in the negotiations are also attempting to reach a compromise that would persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while allowing Trump to claim a diplomatic victory.

The strategically important waterway remains at the centre of the crisis because of its role in global oil shipments. Trump and Xi Jinping, who wrapped up their talks on Friday, reportedly agreed that the strait should be reopened.

China, however, has continued maintaining trade relations with Iran despite increasing tensions.

Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned this week that Iran's armed forces were prepared to "teach a lesson for any aggression".

With talks between Tehran and Washington still deadlocked, concerns are rising once again that the conflict could escalate further and deepen the global energy crisis already triggered by instability in the region.