Resolution 1441

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July 16, 2026

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Resolution 1441 was a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in 2002 that demanded Iraq fully cooperate with UN weapons inspectors. It stated that Iraq had been and remained in material breach of its obligations under previous resolutions, particularly Resolution 687, which required Iraq to disarm its weapons of mass destruction (WMD).123

The resolution warned of serious consequences if Iraq failed to comply, setting a deadline for full disclosure and disarmament. This resolution was a precursor to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as the UN Security Council later found Iraq to be in material breach of Resolution 1441, leading to the U.S. and UK initiating military action without a further UN Security Council resolution.14

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Iraq
Post-9/11 tension and the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq
…the UN Security Council issued Resolution 1441 on November 8, 2002, demanding that Iraq readmit inspectors and comply with all previous resolutions. After some initial wrangling, Iraq agreed to readmit inspectors, who began arriving in Iraq within two weeks.
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…the UN Security Council issued Resolution 1441 on November 8, 2002, demanding that Iraq readmit inspectors and comply with all previous resolutions. After some initial wrangling, Iraq agreed to readmit inspectors, who began arriving in Iraq within two weeks.
Read More