The Persian Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991) was waged by a UN authorized coalition force from 34 nations, led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of the State of Kuwait. This war has also been referred to as Operation Desert Storm for the operational name of the military response - the First Gulf War, Gulf War I, or the Iraq War before the term became identified with the 2003 Iraq War, also referred to as Desert Storm.

The invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi troops that began 2 August 1990 was met with international condemnation, and brought immediate economic sanctions against Iraq by members of the UN Security Council. US President George H. W. Bush deployed American forces to Saudi Arabia, and urged other countries to send their own forces to the scene. An array of nations joined the Coalition. The great majority of military forces in the coalition were from the United States, with Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Egypt as leading contributors, respectively. Around $36 billion of the $60 billion cost was paid by Saudi Arabia.

The war was marked by the beginning of live news on the front lines of the fight via CNN.

The initial conflict to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial bombardment on 17 January 1991. This was followed by a ground assault on 23 February. The attack was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, who liberated Kuwait and advanced into Iraqi territory. The coalition ceased their advance and declared a cease-fire 100 hours after the ground campaign started. Aerial and ground combat was confined to Iraq, Kuwait, and areas on the border of Saudi Arabia. However, Iraq launched Scud missiles against coalition military targets in Saudi Arabia and against Israel.

Campaign result:
Coalition victory
Imposition of sanctions against Iraq
Removal of Iraqi invasion force from Kuwait

Heavy Iraqi casualties and destruction of Iraqi and Kuwaiti infrastructure