In which year did the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq occur?

The story behind the answer

1990 is correct because Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, claiming disputes over oil and debt after the costly Iran–Iraq War. The United Nations condemned the invasion, imposed sanctions, and a U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Shield, followed by Desert Storm in early 1991, forcing Iraq’s withdrawal. Thus, 1990 marks the start of the Gulf War.

To remember: 1990 “opens” the 1991 Gulf War. The other dates don’t fit—1986 and 1988 were during the Iran–Iraq War, and 1992 was after Kuwait’s liberation. The brief annexation of Kuwait as Iraq’s “19th province” highlights how swiftly the crisis escalated.