The resumption of US strikes on Iran has been unofficially dubbed “Operation Bitch Slap” among some members of the US administration, sources say, the New York Post (The Post) reports.

The framing of the attacks as a “bitch slap” conveys the internal estimation by some administration officials that the onslaught will be painful but brief barring further escalation from Tehran.

“He [US President Donald Trump] 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 aforesaid term is being used in conversations and emails by senior Trump officials, three sources with direct knowledge told The Post.

Other sources noted that it’s not pervasive and said they were unaware of its use.

“Operation Bitch Slap” is “colloquial,” unlike the name “Operation Epic Fury” for the broader war, sources said.