Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Gulf War Begins: Iraq Invades Kuwait on August 2, 1990
On August 2, 1990, Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded its neighbor Kuwait, starting the Gulf War.
Hussein claimed Kuwait was stealing oil, but the world saw the invasion as a grab for Kuwait's oil reserves.
The United Nations told Iraq to leave, but they didn't.
The U.S. and other countries then sent troops.
Later, a big fight called Operation Desert Storm happened to kick Iraq out of Kuwait.
Also on this day, Adolf Hitler became the dictator of Germany.
Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, marking the start of the Gulf War.
Saddam Hussein justified the invasion, accusing Kuwait of stealing oil.
The United Nations condemned the invasion, and the U.S. and other nations began military buildup.
The invasion led to Operation Desert Storm, a full-scale military campaign to liberate Kuwait.
Adolf Hitler officially became the dictator of Nazi Germany on the same day.
- Who
- Iraqi forces led by Saddam Hussein.
- What
- Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, which started the Gulf War.
- When
- August 2, 1990.
- Where
- Kuwait
- Why
- Iraq aimed to control Kuwait's oil and alleviate its debt.
Iraqi Justification
International Community View
Oil Production Dispute
Iraqi Justification
Kuwait was overproducing oil, harming Iraq's economy.
International Community View
Iraq's claims were widely dismissed by the international community.
- Event
- Start of the Gulf War
- Date
- August 2, 1990
- Invading Force
- Iraqi forces
- Leader of Iraq
- Saddam Hussein
- Reason Given by Iraq
- Kuwait stealing oil
- Subsequent Operation
- Operation Desert Storm
- Also on this Day
- Adolf Hitler became dictator of Germany