Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, an act that triggered the Gulf War. Iraqi forces began their invasion on August 2, 1990, quickly overwhelming Kuwait's defenses and occupying the country within days.
The invasion followed escalating disputes over oil production, Iraq's debts from the Iran–Iraq War, and accusations that Kuwait was extracting oil from the Rumaila oil field. Iraq also objected to Kuwait producing more oil than its OPEC quota, which contributed to falling prices and reduced Iraqi revenue.
The United Nations condemned the invasion and imposed sweeping sanctions on Iraq. A United States-led coalition assembled in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield, then began Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 after Iraq refused to withdraw. Coalition ground forces liberated Kuwait in late February 1991.
The Gulf War is sometimes described as beginning with the coalition attack, but the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was the event that set the conflict in motion. Iraq occupied Kuwait for roughly seven months before being expelled.