Why did iraq invade, Kuwait during the Persian Gulf war

Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, mainly due to economic and territorial reasons. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein claimed that Kuwait was illegally slant drilling into Iraqi oil fields, which was causing a loss of revenue for Iraq. Additionally, Saddam Hussein desired to annex Kuwait and gain control of its vast oil reserves, which would make Iraq one of the richest countries in the world.

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait was also motivated by broader geopolitical ambitions. Saddam Hussein sought to establish Iraq as the dominant power in the region and to assert his authority over other Arab nations. He believed that the US would not intervene in the conflict and that he could successfully annex Kuwait without facing significant opposition.

The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, however, led to international condemnation and the United Nations Security Council passing a resolution demanding Iraq's immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. When Iraq refused to comply with the resolution, a US-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. The Persian Gulf War ensued, resulting in the liberation of Kuwait and a devastating defeat for Iraq.