35th Anniversary of Gulf War Liberation Marked Amidst New Regional Conflict
HALIFAX, 01 March 2026 – Ceremonies held this weekend to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait have been met with a sombre atmosphere, as a fresh wave of military strikes across the Persian Gulf threatens to ignite a modern-day “Third Gulf War”. While veterans gathered in Canada and the Middle East to honour the 1991 victory, current events in the region have seen Iran launch retaliatory strikes against multiple Gulf states.
Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm
On Saturday, 28 February 2026, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Halifax waterfront and various international sites to mark exactly 35 years since the end of the 1991 Gulf War. The conflict, which began with Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, concluded on 28 February 1991, following a decisive US-led coalition campaign known as Operation Desert Storm.
In Canada, the ceremony highlighted the contribution of over 4,000 personnel who served in “Operation Friction”. Despite the passage of three decades, many veterans continue to lobby for better recognition of the long-term health impacts associated with their service in the 1990-1991 campaign. The 1991 conflict is historically significant as the first large-scale deployment of modern “smart” technology, including guided missiles and advanced anti-missile systems.
Escalation 2026: A New Conflict in the Gulf
The historical commemorations coincide with a dramatic and dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets—reportedly following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—Tehran has launched a massive retaliatory campaign. For the first time, Iranian missiles have targeted the Sultanate of Oman, alongside strikes reported in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait City.
The current crisis has seen smoke rising over major Gulf capitals, marking a significant departure from the relative stability maintained by the petro-monarchies over the last decade. Analysts suggest that the region is facing its most volatile period since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with global oil markets bracing for a potential supply shock.
Key Facts: The 1990-1991 Gulf War vs. 2026 Crisis
| Feature | Details (1990-1991 War) |
|---|---|
| Primary Aggressor | Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) |
| Coalition Lead | United States (Operation Desert Storm) |
| Duration of Combat | 17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991 |
| Canadian Personnel | Approximately 4,500 deployed |
| Outcome | Liberation of Kuwait; Iraqi withdrawal |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary cause of the 1991 Gulf War?
The conflict was triggered by Iraq’s invasion and subsequent annexation of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. Saddam Hussein aimed to cancel significant debts owed to Kuwait and seize the nation’s vast oil reserves to bolster the Iraqi economy following the Iran-Iraq War.
Why is the 35th anniversary significant today?
The 35th anniversary serves as a milestone for veterans seeking medical recognition for “Gulf War Syndrome” and other service-related illnesses. It also provides a historical lens through which to view the current 2026 escalation, as many of the same geographical locations are once again under fire.
How does the current 2026 situation differ from 1991?
Unlike 1991, where a broad international coalition acted under a UN mandate to liberate an occupied country, the 2026 conflict involves direct strikes between Iran, Israel, and the US, with Gulf monarchies caught in the crossfire of a regional proxy war. The current instability follows the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and subsequent US-Israeli military actions.