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‘No aborts. Good luck': Key moments in the US war on Iran

After years of US planning and weeks of military buildup, President Donald Trump gave the order for American forces to strike Iran: ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.’

US forces then launched a sweeping campaign of strikes that has smashed Iranian command-and-control sites, destroyed missile infrastructure and sunk navy vessels.

The United States has for weeks been building up military forces in the Middle East “to reinforce deterrence and provide the president with credible options should action be required,” top US military officer General Dan Caine told a news conference on Monday. “These movements ensured that US forces remain postured, protected and ready to respond decisively for any emerging threat,” he said. “This deployment included thousands of service members from all branches, hundreds of advanced fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, dozens of refueling tankers, the Lincoln and Ford carrier strike group and their embarked air wings, sustained flow of munitions, fuel supplies.”

The order for the strikes came on Friday afternoon, Caine said. It was issued by Trump and conveyed by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to US Central Command (CENTCOM) – which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East. “The President directed, and I quote, ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,’” Caine said.

Also today

• A Moovijob.com survey found that 40% of employees in Luxembourg return home stressed, highlighting ongoing difficulties in separating work and private life and the need for clearer boundaries and better work-life balance.
• RTL, in conversation with Igor Loran and Tim Pauly, heard how phishing, identity theft and other forms of online fraud are on the rise, with the use of AI making scams increasingly sophisticated.
• French police arrested four Greenpeace activists today after they blocked a cargo ship for five hours that they alleged was transporting uranium from Russia for the country’s nuclear power plants.
• The government is entering a new phase in the digitalisation of the public sector and looking to streamline procedures, with the launch of COSMOS, a new platform for civil servants.
• Police were alerted on Monday to a man suspected of carrying a firearm near an accommodation facility in Kirchberg.
• Tommy Klein is leaving the Pirate Party after three years as its political adviser to join tobacco giant Philip Morris International, the party confirmed.

On air

Lots of chatter about the Brit awards, that took place on Saturday, and there’s a competition to win tickets to see Josh Island this weekend!

Figure of the day:

16 drivers caught using mobile phones behind the wheel

• Police issued sixteen on-the-spot fines during a traffic check targeting seatbelt use and mobile phone use while driving. The operation took place on Rue du Brill in Foetz on Friday between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
• Sixteen drivers were caught using their mobile phones at the wheel, an offence punishable by a €250 fine and the loss of four points from the driving licence. One driver lost two points and was fined €145 because a minor in the vehicle was not wearing a seatbelt. Another driver was fined €24 for failing to present a valid driving licence.
  

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