Why did the United Nations Security Council authorize force during the Persian Gulf War?

The United Nations Security Council authorized the use of force during the Persian Gulf War in response to Iraq’s unprovoked invasion and annexation of Kuwait in August 1990.12

Following the invasion, the Security Council initially condemned the aggression and imposed economic sanctions on Iraq. When these measures failed to secure an Iraqi withdrawal, the council passed Resolution 678 on November 29, 1990. This resolution authorized member states to use "all necessary means" to restore international peace and security to the region if Iraq did not comply with previous mandates by January 15, 1991.21

The authorization was grounded in the principle of collective security, as the council sought to repel an aggressor and uphold the sovereignty of a member state. By setting a clear deadline for withdrawal, the UN provided a final opportunity for a peaceful settlement before the coalition launched military operations.21