The Gulf War was a conflict that began in 1990 when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait. This invasion was motivated by Iraq's desire to control Kuwait's oil reserves and to cancel debts owed to Iraq from the Iran-Iraq War. The international community quickly condemned the invasion, leading to a coalition of countries, including the United States, forming to oppose Iraq's actions. In January 1991, the coalition launched a military operation called Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait. The war lasted about six weeks and ended with a decisive victory for the coalition forces. By February 1991, Kuwait was freed, but tensions in the region continued for years.