What factors led the US invasion of Iraq?

The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was primarily driven by concerns over weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), as the U.S. government believed that Saddam Hussein possessed and was hiding such capabilities. Additionally, there were aims to eliminate perceived threats to regional stability, promote democracy in the Middle East, and respond to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks by targeting regimes thought to support terrorism. Geopolitical interests, including securing oil resources, also played a significant role in the decision to invade.