Aug. 2 - Iraq's powerful army overruns Kuwait before dawn, seizing the emir's palace and other government buildings. President Bush orders U.S. economic embargo against Iraq. Iraqi troops push to within few miles of Saudi Arabian border. State Department says American civilians are trapped in Kuwait. European Community imposes trade embargo on Iraq.
Japan suspends Iraqi oil imports.
Aug. 6 - U.N. Security Council orders worldwide embargo on trade with Iraq. In Saudi Arabia, U.S. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney confers with Saudi leaders about defending the oil kingdom against any Iraqi attack. A fresh U.S. Navy task force sets sail for region. Turkey cuts off exports from Iraqi oil pipeline through Turkish territory. Aug. 8 - Iraq declares Kuwait has been annexed.