Iraq invades Kuwait. United Nations imposes sweeping trade sanctions on Iraq, which are still in force.
Allied troops take control of Kuwait.
These conditions must be met before sanctions are lifted. After Baghdad refuses to remove missiles in southern Iraq, allied warplanes and warships attack missile sites and a nuclear facility near Baghdad. The United States responds by sending more warplanes and another aircraft carrier to the region. The United Nations allows Iraq to make limited oil sales under closely monitored deal. President Bill Clinton orders aircraft carrier to the Gulf.