Why did FDR and Churchill agree on an invasion of North Africa?

FDR and Churchill agreed on an invasion of North Africa primarily to gain a foothold in Europe and to divert German forces from the Soviet Union, which was under severe pressure on the Eastern Front. The operation, known as Operation Torch, aimed to weaken Axis powers in the Mediterranean and improve Allied control over the region. Additionally, it provided valuable experience for American troops and was a strategic step towards launching a larger invasion of Europe later.