The Iraq War officially began on March 20, 2003, when a coalition led by the United States launched a military invasion of Iraq. The primary justification for the invasion was the belief that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and posed a threat to the region and international security. The conflict led to significant political and social upheaval in Iraq and had far-reaching consequences, including regional instability and ongoing challenges related to security and governance. The war remains a controversial and debated topic concerning its motivations, execution, and aftermath in the context of U.S. foreign policy.