The outbreak of the Persian Gulf War in 1990 was primarily triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Led by President Saddam Hussein, Iraq aimed to seize Kuwait's oil reserves and eliminate its perceived economic threat. The invasion sparked international outrage, leading to a coalition of 34 countries, led by the United States, forming to oppose Iraq's aggression. The United Nations imposed economic sanctions against Iraq, and after diplomatic efforts failed, a military coalition launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, ultimately liberating Kuwait and demonstrating the global commitment to responding to aggression against sovereign nations.