What was the main trigger for the Gulf War in 1990-91?

• A. Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait
• B. US invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam
• C. Iran's invasion of Kuwait earlier
• D. Kuwait's invasion of Iraq

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is what sparked the Gulf War: Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. When Iraqi forces crossed into Kuwait, they violated its sovereignty and international law, threatening regional stability and access to oil. The invasion drew immediate international condemnation and pushed the United Nations to act.

The response built quickly: the UN imposed sanctions and demanded Iraq withdraw, and when Baghdad refused, a US-led coalition formed to enforce the withdrawal. Military action began in early 1991, with the goal of liberating Kuwait, and the coalition successfully expelled Iraqi forces.

This is why the correct trigger is the invasion of Kuwait. The other options don’t fit because the war in 1990–91 was not caused by a US invasion of Iraq (that occurred in 2003), was not the result of Iran invading Kuwait, and Kuwait did not invade Iraq.