What was the primary role of the U.S. during the Persian Gulf?

The primary role of the U.S. during the Persian Gulf War was to ensure freedom of passage to oil tankers. This was critical because the conflict centered around Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which posed a significant threat to the stability of oil supplies in the region. The U.S. and its coalition partners aimed to safeguard the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf, which was vital for global economies and energy security. By protecting shipping routes and maintaining access to this crucial resource, the U.S. sought to stabilize both regional and international markets during a time of conflict, thereby reinforcing its geopolitical interests and commitments.

This focus on ensuring freedom of passage underscores the broader strategic objectives of the U.S. in the context of the Gulf War, reflecting the importance placed on economic stability over promoting political change or establishing governance within Iraq itself.