The primary purpose behind the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) which posed a threat to international security. The U.S. government, led by President George W. Bush, argued that Iraq’s regime was linked to terrorism and needed to be dismantled to foster stability and democracy in the Middle East. However, the invasion received widespread criticism, especially after WMDs were not found, leading to controversy over the justification for military action and its long-term consequences, including ongoing conflict in the region.