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Gulf War

The Gulf War was a 1990–1991 international conflict triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Gulf War was a 1990–1991 international conflict triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. A U.S.-led coalition responded with a UN-backed campaign that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait and ended with a ceasefire in 1991.

Background

The war was triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. The invasion led to UN sanctions and the formation of a broad coalition to oppose Iraq.

Course of the war

Coalition forces first deployed under Operation Desert Shield to defend Saudi Arabia and build up forces. Operation Desert Storm began in January 1991 with air attacks, followed by a short ground campaign that ended the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

Outcome and aftermath

The coalition achieved a decisive victory and restored Kuwait’s sovereignty. The war left Iraq under continued international pressure and contributed to long-term instability in the region.

Legacy

The Gulf War influenced later U.S. and international policy in the Middle East. It also shaped public debate on military power, sanctions, and the regional balance of power.

Key facts

  • The conflict began when Iraq invaded Kuwait on 2 August 1990.
  • The war had two main phases: Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
  • The coalition launched air operations in January 1991, followed by a ground offensive in late February 1991.
  • Iraqi forces were expelled from Kuwait, and a ceasefire followed shortly after.
  • The war involved a broad multinational coalition under UN auspices.
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Canadian context

Canada was part of the broader international response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and contributed to the coalition effort, making the war relevant to Canadian military and foreign policy history.

Frequently asked questions

What caused the Gulf War?
The war was caused by Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait in August 1990.
Who fought in the Gulf War?
Iraq fought against a U.S.-led multinational coalition that included many allied states.
When did the Gulf War begin and end?
It began on 2 August 1990 and ended with a ceasefire on 28 February 1991.
What were Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm?
Desert Shield was the coalition’s deployment and defensive build-up; Desert Storm was the combat phase of the war.
What was the result of the Gulf War?
The coalition defeated Iraqi forces and liberated Kuwait.

References

  1. U.S. Department of State — https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/gulf-war
    Supports: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990, UN sanctions, coalition air and ground war, dates of the campaign.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Persian-Gulf-War
    Supports: Conflict definition, causes, coalition response, dates, and overall outcome.
  3. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command — https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/art/exhibits/conflicts-and-operations/the-gulf-war-1990-1991--operation-desert-shield--desert-storm-.html
    Supports: War dates, Desert Shield/Desert Storm phases, coalition composition, and major combat timeline.
  4. National Army Museum — https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/gulf-war
    Supports: British contribution and multinational coalition context.
  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/basics.asp
    Supports: U.S. deployment and operation dates for Desert Shield and Desert Storm.