Pakistan and Kuwait Discuss Expanded Defense Pact Amid Iranian Attacks

Pakistan and Kuwait are negotiating an expanded defense pact that would exchange military cooperation for energy security and investment, according to five people familiar with the talks. Kuwait is seeking a package modeled on Pakistan’s Saudi agreement, potentially including thousands of troops, fighter jets, drones and air defenses after repeated Iranian attacks. Pakistani officials said talks remain early and combat-troop deployment is not currently under consideration. The negotiations could complicate Islamabad’s role mediating between Washington and Tehran, while Kuwait already has a 2023 agreement with Pakistan for training and joint exercises.