Arab nations seek defence pacts with Pakistan
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan are pursuing defence partnerships with Pakistan following the failure of US air defence systems to shield them from Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

The three countries, which host significant US military bases, are in talks with Islamabad to bolster their defensive capabilities. This move follows a Saudi decision to station thousands of Pakistani troops on its soil under a defence agreement.
Imagine a group of countries that are friends with the US, but they're also getting attacked by Iran. They're trying to find a new way to protect themselves, and they're looking to Pakistan for help. Pakistan is like a mediator between the US and Iran, and it's getting more and more important in the region.
Analysis
A Shift in Regional Dynamics
The recent failure of US air defence systems to shield Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan from Iranian retaliatory strikes has led to a significant shift in regional dynamics. These three countries, which host significant US military bases, are now pursuing defence partnerships with Pakistan. This move is a tacit admission of the limits of American military power in the region and highlights the growing importance of Pakistan as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.
The Role of Pakistan
Pakistan has served as the lead mediator between Tehran and Washington throughout the current war and has maintained close ties with both Iran and the Persian Gulf Arab states. The country's decision to station thousands of Pakistani troops on Saudi soil under a defence agreement has further solidified its position as a key player in the region. The defence partnerships being pursued by Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan are a testament to Pakistan's growing influence in the region.
Implications for the Region
The implications of this shift in regional dynamics are far-reaching. The failure of US air defence systems to shield these countries from Iranian retaliatory strikes has exposed the limits of American military power in the region. This has led to a re-evaluation of regional security strategies, with a growing emphasis on defence partnerships and cooperation. The role of Pakistan in this shift is significant, and its influence in the region is likely to continue to grow in the coming years.
Key points
- Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan are pursuing defence partnerships with Pakistan.
- The move follows the failure of US air defence systems to shield these countries from Iranian retaliatory strikes.
- Pakistan has served as the lead mediator between Tehran and Washington throughout the current war.
- The country's decision to station thousands of Pakistani troops on Saudi soil under a defence agreement has further solidified its position as a key player in the region.
If this development plays out positively, it could lead to increased cooperation and defence partnerships between countries in the region, potentially reducing the risk of conflict and promoting regional stability.
However, there are also risks associated with this development, including the potential for increased tensions between the US and Iran, and the possibility of further destabilization in the region.



