NYP: Trump advisers dubb new US strikes on Iran "Operation Bitch Slap"

Some U.S. administration officials have informally referred to the renewed military campaign against Iran as a “bitch slap,” according to sources cited by The New York Post, describing the operation as a limited but painful response rather than an open-ended escalation.

The reported phrase reflects an internal view among some officials that the strikes are intended to pressure Tehran while avoiding a wider conflict, unless Iran takes further military action.

“He still wants this thing to be over. But if Iran is shooting at ships, he’s not just gonna sit there and do nothing,” a source close to the White House told The Post.

The latest military action has been dubbed “Operation Bitch Slap” by a cohort of Trump’s advisers.

A former White House official said that “Trump is not coordinating with anyone… he’s going with his gut.”

The reported nickname was said to be used informally in conversations and emails among some senior Trump officials. Three sources with direct knowledge told The Post that the term had been used, while other officials said they were unaware of it and that it was not widely adopted.

White House and Pentagon officials emphasised that the phrase was not an official military operation name. The broader conflict has been referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”

The reports follow President Donald Trump’s announcement of renewed strikes against Iran on July 8, during which he criticised Tehran’s leadership and accused it of violating agreements related to the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. The U.S. later resumed large-scale strikes, citing Iranian actions that it said breached the terms of the agreement.

By Sabina Mammadli