Arab Nations Seek Defense Pacts with Pakistan Amid Iran-US Tensions

According to a Reuters report citing informed sources, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are seeking defense pacts with Pakistan to enhance their military capabilities. These three countries, which host significant U.S. military bases and are on the front line of the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, are in talks with Islamabad.

The move follows a Saudi decision to station thousands of Pakistani troops, fighter jets, drones, and air defense systems on its soil under a defense agreement. Pakistan has served as the lead mediator between Tehran and Washington throughout the current tensions and has maintained close ties with both Iran and the Persian Gulf Arab states.

Political analysts described the diplomatic pivot as a tacit admission of the limits of American military power in the region. For weeks, Iranian missiles and drones have struck U.S. bases across Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman, while U.S.-supplied and -operated air defense batteries have struggled to intercept the incoming fire.

The report by Mehr News added that the discussions reflect a shift in regional security dynamics, with Gulf states diversifying their defense partnerships beyond the traditional reliance on the United States.