Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, a swift and decisive action was required from the international community. On August 6, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 661, which imposed a comprehensive trade embargo on Iraq. The resolution was a direct response to Iraq's act of aggression, seeking not only to penalize Iraq but to compel a withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwaiti soil. The embargo prevented all UN member states from engaging in trade with Iraq, covering essential goods, services, and most notably, military equipment. This was an extreme measure that aimed to isolate the Iraqi economy and reduce its capacity to sustain military operations.The decision also reflected growing concerns over regional stability in the Middle East and the potential for a broader conflict that could destabilize oil markets and impact global economies. Notably, it was the first instance of the UN exercising such authority in a situation deemed to threaten international peace and security, signaling a shift in the approach toward global conflict resolution. These actions ultimately laid the groundwork for the coalition forces' military intervention in January 1991, leading to the Gulf War, as the embargo was a means to persuade Iraq to comply with international law and restore Kuwaiti sovereignty.