US official: US prepared for 'wide war' with Iran, Trump approved attacks on IRGC

The reported authorization of lethal strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) signals that the United States may be moving beyond the retaliatory framework that has characterized much of the recent friction. The official's statement to Fox News emphasizes a state of readiness for a broad regional conflict, a development that follows weeks of escalating rhetoric and direct military exchanges.

Context of the Escalation

This development aligns with a pattern of increasing US military pressure on the Iranian regime. As The Zioneer has reported throughout July 2026, the Trump administration has conducted multiple waves of strikes against Iranian strategic infrastructure, including missile facilities and sites linked to the IRGC. President Trump previously indicated in an N12 interview that he was "close to making a decision" on a massive attack, suggesting that the current operations may be part of a larger strategic offensive. The IRGC, for its part, has maintained a state of high alert, previously vowing an "unprecedented" response to any direct strike on Iranian soil.

Analysis and Outlook

The shift from measured, systematic strikes—which analysts previously noted were neutralizing Iranian defense systems—to "lethal and severe" attacks suggests a transition toward higher-value targets. While the specific locations and results of the newly authorized strikes have not yet been independently verified, the framing of a "wide war" by a defense official indicates that the US is prepared for the possibility of a sustained campaign. The situation remains developing, with the potential for immediate Iranian retaliation against US assets or regional partners.