US Weighs ‘Hard Slap’ Phase of Military Operation in Iran
Washington is considering a new phase of its Iran operation, informally dubbed “Hard Slap,” while keeping the door open to renewed negotiations with Tehran.
The US administration is informally referring to a potential new phase of its military operation against Iran as «Hard Slap,» the New York Post reported, citing American officials.
According to the newspaper’s sources, the phrase has surfaced only in limited discussions within the White House and the Pentagon. It has not been adopted as the official name of the operation.
Washington is considering further action against Iran within the coming days or weeks. The newspaper said the scenario could move forward if Tehran, according to the US position, continues targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the White House has not ruled out a return to diplomacy. Vice President J. D. Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could take part in renewed negotiations.
A series of large-scale US strikes on Iranian territory began overnight on July 8. US Central Command said the attacks were launched in response to Tehran’s actions against commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military later reported retaliatory attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Iranian authorities also accused Washington of violating a memorandum on the cessation of hostilities.
On July 9, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that he could not say whether the current escalation would develop into a full-scale conflict. He nevertheless maintained that Washington had several ways to secure victory.