diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ec22fdd351..84a960af20 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -57,6 +57,35 @@ module "eks" {
 }
 ```
 
+### EKS Auto Mode - Custom Node Pools Only
+
+```hcl
+module "eks" {
+  source  = "terraform-aws-modules/eks/aws"
+  version = "~> 21.0"
+
+  name               = "example"
+  kubernetes_version = "1.33"
+
+  # Optional
+  endpoint_public_access = true
+
+  # Optional: Adds the current caller identity as an administrator via cluster access entry
+  enable_cluster_creator_admin_permissions = true
+
+  # Create just the IAM resources for EKS Auto Mode for use with custom node pools
+  create_auto_mode_iam_resources = true
+
+  vpc_id     = "vpc-1234556abcdef"
+  subnet_ids = ["subnet-abcde012", "subnet-bcde012a", "subnet-fghi345a"]
+
+  tags = {
+    Environment = "dev"
+    Terraform   = "true"
+  }
+}
+```
+
 ### EKS Managed Node Group
 
 ```hcl
@@ -318,7 +347,7 @@ We are grateful to the community for contributing bugfixes and improvements! Ple
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="requirement_time"></a> [time](#requirement\_time) | >= 0.9 |
 | <a name="requirement_tls"></a> [tls](#requirement\_tls) | >= 4.0 |
 
@@ -326,7 +355,7 @@ We are grateful to the community for contributing bugfixes and improvements! Ple
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="provider_time"></a> [time](#provider\_time) | >= 0.9 |
 | <a name="provider_tls"></a> [tls](#provider\_tls) | >= 4.0 |
 
@@ -393,9 +422,10 @@ We are grateful to the community for contributing bugfixes and improvements! Ple
 | <a name="input_cloudwatch_log_group_retention_in_days"></a> [cloudwatch\_log\_group\_retention\_in\_days](#input\_cloudwatch\_log\_group\_retention\_in\_days) | Number of days to retain log events. Default retention - 90 days | `number` | `90` | no |
 | <a name="input_cloudwatch_log_group_tags"></a> [cloudwatch\_log\_group\_tags](#input\_cloudwatch\_log\_group\_tags) | A map of additional tags to add to the cloudwatch log group created | `map(string)` | `{}` | no |
 | <a name="input_cluster_tags"></a> [cluster\_tags](#input\_cluster\_tags) | A map of additional tags to add to the cluster | `map(string)` | `{}` | no |
-| <a name="input_compute_config"></a> [compute\_config](#input\_compute\_config) | Configuration block for the cluster compute configuration | <pre>object({<br/>    enabled       = optional(bool, false)<br/>    node_pools    = optional(list(string))<br/>    node_role_arn = optional(string)<br/>  })</pre> | `null` | no |
+| <a name="input_compute_config"></a> [compute\_config](#input\_compute\_config) | Configuration block for the cluster compute configuration | <pre>object({<br/>    enabled       = optional(bool, false)<br/>    node_pools    = optional(list(string))<br/>    node_role_arn = optional(string)<br/>  })</pre> | `{}` | no |
 | <a name="input_control_plane_subnet_ids"></a> [control\_plane\_subnet\_ids](#input\_control\_plane\_subnet\_ids) | A list of subnet IDs where the EKS cluster control plane (ENIs) will be provisioned. Used for expanding the pool of subnets used by nodes/node groups without replacing the EKS control plane | `list(string)` | `[]` | no |
 | <a name="input_create"></a> [create](#input\_create) | Controls if resources should be created (affects nearly all resources) | `bool` | `true` | no |
+| <a name="input_create_auto_mode_iam_resources"></a> [create\_auto\_mode\_iam\_resources](#input\_create\_auto\_mode\_iam\_resources) | Determines whether to create/attach IAM resources for EKS Auto Mode. Useful for when using only custom node pools and not built-in EKS Auto Mode node pools | `bool` | `false` | no |
 | <a name="input_create_cloudwatch_log_group"></a> [create\_cloudwatch\_log\_group](#input\_create\_cloudwatch\_log\_group) | Determines whether a log group is created by this module for the cluster logs. If not, AWS will automatically create one if logging is enabled | `bool` | `true` | no |
 | <a name="input_create_cni_ipv6_iam_policy"></a> [create\_cni\_ipv6\_iam\_policy](#input\_create\_cni\_ipv6\_iam\_policy) | Determines whether to create an [`AmazonEKS_CNI_IPv6_Policy`](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/eks/latest/userguide/cni-iam-role.html#cni-iam-role-create-ipv6-policy) | `bool` | `false` | no |
 | <a name="input_create_iam_role"></a> [create\_iam\_role](#input\_create\_iam\_role) | Determines whether an IAM role is created for the cluster | `bool` | `true` | no |
diff --git a/examples/eks-auto-mode/README.md b/examples/eks-auto-mode/README.md
index 204fecd0b4..3dbb1c62c6 100644
--- a/examples/eks-auto-mode/README.md
+++ b/examples/eks-auto-mode/README.md
@@ -25,13 +25,13 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 |------|--------|---------|
 | <a name="module_disabled_eks"></a> [disabled\_eks](#module\_disabled\_eks) | ../.. | n/a |
 | <a name="module_eks"></a> [eks](#module\_eks) | ../.. | n/a |
+| <a name="module_eks_auto_custom_node_pools"></a> [eks\_auto\_custom\_node\_pools](#module\_eks\_auto\_custom\_node\_pools) | ../.. | n/a |
 | <a name="module_vpc"></a> [vpc](#module\_vpc) | terraform-aws-modules/vpc/aws | ~> 6.0 |
 
 ## Resources
diff --git a/examples/eks-auto-mode/main.tf b/examples/eks-auto-mode/main.tf
index e00b825f63..05eec9b0e4 100644
--- a/examples/eks-auto-mode/main.tf
+++ b/examples/eks-auto-mode/main.tf
@@ -35,7 +35,6 @@ module "eks" {
   name                   = local.name
   kubernetes_version     = local.kubernetes_version
   endpoint_public_access = true
-  deletion_protection    = true
 
   enable_cluster_creator_admin_permissions = true
 
@@ -50,6 +49,24 @@ module "eks" {
   tags = local.tags
 }
 
+module "eks_auto_custom_node_pools" {
+  source = "../.."
+
+  name                   = "${local.name}-custom"
+  kubernetes_version     = local.kubernetes_version
+  endpoint_public_access = true
+
+  enable_cluster_creator_admin_permissions = true
+
+  # Create just the IAM resources for EKS Auto Mode for use with custom node pools
+  create_auto_mode_iam_resources = true
+
+  vpc_id     = module.vpc.vpc_id
+  subnet_ids = module.vpc.private_subnets
+
+  tags = local.tags
+}
+
 module "disabled_eks" {
   source = "../.."
 
diff --git a/examples/eks-auto-mode/versions.tf b/examples/eks-auto-mode/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/examples/eks-auto-mode/versions.tf
+++ b/examples/eks-auto-mode/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md b/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
index d2b9e1c244..f5da694d80 100644
--- a/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
+++ b/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="requirement_helm"></a> [helm](#requirement\_helm) | >= 3.0 |
 | <a name="requirement_http"></a> [http](#requirement\_http) | >= 3.4 |
 | <a name="requirement_local"></a> [local](#requirement\_local) | >= 2.5 |
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
-| <a name="provider_aws.remote"></a> [aws.remote](#provider\_aws.remote) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
+| <a name="provider_aws.remote"></a> [aws.remote](#provider\_aws.remote) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="provider_helm"></a> [helm](#provider\_helm) | >= 3.0 |
 | <a name="provider_http"></a> [http](#provider\_http) | >= 3.4 |
 | <a name="provider_local"></a> [local](#provider\_local) | >= 2.5 |
diff --git a/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf b/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
index 8762781644..988eb51212 100644
--- a/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
+++ b/examples/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
     helm = {
       source  = "hashicorp/helm"
diff --git a/examples/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/examples/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/examples/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/examples/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/examples/karpenter/README.md b/examples/karpenter/README.md
index 8e7e11ecf4..8465cfb6c9 100644
--- a/examples/karpenter/README.md
+++ b/examples/karpenter/README.md
@@ -94,15 +94,15 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="requirement_helm"></a> [helm](#requirement\_helm) | >= 3.0 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
-| <a name="provider_aws.virginia"></a> [aws.virginia](#provider\_aws.virginia) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
+| <a name="provider_aws.virginia"></a> [aws.virginia](#provider\_aws.virginia) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="provider_helm"></a> [helm](#provider\_helm) | >= 3.0 |
 
 ## Modules
diff --git a/examples/karpenter/versions.tf b/examples/karpenter/versions.tf
index 6cd7d576fc..e8922f3f27 100644
--- a/examples/karpenter/versions.tf
+++ b/examples/karpenter/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
     helm = {
       source  = "hashicorp/helm"
diff --git a/examples/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/examples/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/examples/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/examples/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/main.tf b/main.tf
index 8ea8629b8d..263380b817 100644
--- a/main.tf
+++ b/main.tf
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ locals {
   create_outposts_local_cluster = var.outpost_config != null
   enable_encryption_config      = var.encryption_config != null && !local.create_outposts_local_cluster
 
-  auto_mode_enabled = try(var.compute_config.enabled, false)
+  create_auto_mode_iam_resources = var.compute_config.enabled || var.create_auto_mode_iam_resources
 }
 
 ################################################################################
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ resource "aws_eks_cluster" "this" {
   }
 
   dynamic "compute_config" {
-    for_each = var.compute_config != null ? [var.compute_config] : []
+    for_each = [var.compute_config]
 
     content {
       enabled       = compute_config.value.enabled
@@ -81,10 +81,10 @@ resource "aws_eks_cluster" "this" {
 
     content {
       dynamic "elastic_load_balancing" {
-        for_each = local.auto_mode_enabled ? [1] : []
+        for_each = [var.compute_config]
 
         content {
-          enabled = local.auto_mode_enabled
+          enabled = elastic_load_balancing.value.enabled
         }
       }
 
@@ -148,11 +148,11 @@ resource "aws_eks_cluster" "this" {
   }
 
   dynamic "storage_config" {
-    for_each = local.auto_mode_enabled ? [1] : []
+    for_each = [var.compute_config]
 
     content {
       block_storage {
-        enabled = local.auto_mode_enabled
+        enabled = storage_config.value.enabled
       }
     }
   }
@@ -476,7 +476,7 @@ locals {
   # Standard EKS cluster
   eks_standard_iam_role_policies = { for k, v in {
     AmazonEKSClusterPolicy = "${local.iam_role_policy_prefix}/AmazonEKSClusterPolicy",
-  } : k => v if !local.create_outposts_local_cluster && !local.auto_mode_enabled }
+  } : k => v if !local.create_outposts_local_cluster && !local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources }
 
   # EKS cluster with EKS auto mode enabled
   eks_auto_mode_iam_role_policies = { for k, v in {
@@ -485,12 +485,12 @@ locals {
     AmazonEKSBlockStoragePolicy  = "${local.iam_role_policy_prefix}/AmazonEKSBlockStoragePolicy"
     AmazonEKSLoadBalancingPolicy = "${local.iam_role_policy_prefix}/AmazonEKSLoadBalancingPolicy"
     AmazonEKSNetworkingPolicy    = "${local.iam_role_policy_prefix}/AmazonEKSNetworkingPolicy"
-  } : k => v if !local.create_outposts_local_cluster && local.auto_mode_enabled }
+  } : k => v if !local.create_outposts_local_cluster && local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources }
 
   # EKS local cluster on Outposts
   eks_outpost_iam_role_policies = { for k, v in {
     AmazonEKSClusterPolicy = "${local.iam_role_policy_prefix}/AmazonEKSLocalOutpostClusterPolicy"
-  } : k => v if local.create_outposts_local_cluster && !local.auto_mode_enabled }
+  } : k => v if local.create_outposts_local_cluster && !local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources }
 }
 
 data "aws_iam_policy_document" "assume_role_policy" {
@@ -591,7 +591,7 @@ resource "aws_iam_policy" "cluster_encryption" {
 }
 
 data "aws_iam_policy_document" "custom" {
-  count = local.create_iam_role && local.auto_mode_enabled && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
+  count = local.create_iam_role && local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
 
   dynamic "statement" {
     for_each = var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? [1] : []
@@ -725,7 +725,7 @@ data "aws_iam_policy_document" "custom" {
 }
 
 resource "aws_iam_policy" "custom" {
-  count = local.create_iam_role && local.auto_mode_enabled && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
+  count = local.create_iam_role && local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
 
   name        = var.iam_role_use_name_prefix ? null : local.iam_role_name
   name_prefix = var.iam_role_use_name_prefix ? "${local.iam_role_name}-" : null
@@ -738,7 +738,7 @@ resource "aws_iam_policy" "custom" {
 }
 
 resource "aws_iam_role_policy_attachment" "custom" {
-  count = local.create_iam_role && local.auto_mode_enabled && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
+  count = local.create_iam_role && local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources && var.enable_auto_mode_custom_tags ? 1 : 0
 
   policy_arn = aws_iam_policy.custom[0].arn
   role       = aws_iam_role.this[0].name
@@ -875,7 +875,7 @@ resource "aws_eks_identity_provider_config" "this" {
 ################################################################################
 
 locals {
-  create_node_iam_role = local.create && var.create_node_iam_role && local.auto_mode_enabled
+  create_node_iam_role = local.create && var.create_node_iam_role && local.create_auto_mode_iam_resources
   node_iam_role_name   = coalesce(var.node_iam_role_name, "${var.name}-eks-auto")
 }
 
diff --git a/modules/eks-managed-node-group/README.md b/modules/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
index 6c923884f9..f2744c45f3 100644
--- a/modules/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
+++ b/modules/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
@@ -64,13 +64,13 @@ module "eks_managed_node_group" {
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/modules/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/modules/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/modules/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/modules/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/modules/fargate-profile/README.md b/modules/fargate-profile/README.md
index 8981d2a4f9..4685c58b85 100644
--- a/modules/fargate-profile/README.md
+++ b/modules/fargate-profile/README.md
@@ -29,13 +29,13 @@ module "fargate_profile" {
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/modules/fargate-profile/versions.tf b/modules/fargate-profile/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/modules/fargate-profile/versions.tf
+++ b/modules/fargate-profile/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/modules/hybrid-node-role/README.md b/modules/hybrid-node-role/README.md
index 9e7e0f4570..ce84bbd19f 100644
--- a/modules/hybrid-node-role/README.md
+++ b/modules/hybrid-node-role/README.md
@@ -75,13 +75,13 @@ module "eks_hybrid_node_role" {
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/modules/hybrid-node-role/versions.tf b/modules/hybrid-node-role/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/modules/hybrid-node-role/versions.tf
+++ b/modules/hybrid-node-role/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/modules/karpenter/README.md b/modules/karpenter/README.md
index 36f3412fe9..fea43a9a27 100644
--- a/modules/karpenter/README.md
+++ b/modules/karpenter/README.md
@@ -86,13 +86,13 @@ module "karpenter" {
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/modules/karpenter/versions.tf b/modules/karpenter/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/modules/karpenter/versions.tf
+++ b/modules/karpenter/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/modules/self-managed-node-group/README.md b/modules/self-managed-node-group/README.md
index c14f190d47..04ad2e61c2 100644
--- a/modules/self-managed-node-group/README.md
+++ b/modules/self-managed-node-group/README.md
@@ -43,13 +43,13 @@ module "self_managed_node_group" {
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/modules/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/modules/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/modules/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/modules/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/tests/eks-fargate-profile/README.md b/tests/eks-fargate-profile/README.md
index 5ff2f7f79c..28d2f06db1 100644
--- a/tests/eks-fargate-profile/README.md
+++ b/tests/eks-fargate-profile/README.md
@@ -18,13 +18,13 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/tests/eks-fargate-profile/versions.tf b/tests/eks-fargate-profile/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/tests/eks-fargate-profile/versions.tf
+++ b/tests/eks-fargate-profile/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md b/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
index 27875d930e..71ae477191 100644
--- a/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
+++ b/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/README.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 | <a name="requirement_tls"></a> [tls](#requirement\_tls) | >= 4.0 |
 
 ## Providers
diff --git a/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf b/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
index d56b124e91..6be6e0b052 100644
--- a/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
+++ b/tests/eks-hybrid-nodes/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
     tls = {
       source  = "hashicorp/tls"
diff --git a/tests/eks-managed-node-group/README.md b/tests/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
index 4b69f395b7..d53f0a633b 100644
--- a/tests/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
+++ b/tests/eks-managed-node-group/README.md
@@ -18,13 +18,13 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/tests/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/tests/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/tests/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/tests/eks-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/tests/self-managed-node-group/README.md b/tests/self-managed-node-group/README.md
index eba5c2f79b..d45c7ee922 100644
--- a/tests/self-managed-node-group/README.md
+++ b/tests/self-managed-node-group/README.md
@@ -18,13 +18,13 @@ Note that this example may create resources which cost money. Run `terraform des
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
 | <a name="requirement_terraform"></a> [terraform](#requirement\_terraform) | >= 1.5.7 |
-| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="requirement_aws"></a> [aws](#requirement\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Providers
 
 | Name | Version |
 |------|---------|
-| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.9 |
+| <a name="provider_aws"></a> [aws](#provider\_aws) | >= 6.13 |
 
 ## Modules
 
diff --git a/tests/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf b/tests/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
index fe4021c7cf..8f71cb6086 100644
--- a/tests/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
+++ b/tests/self-managed-node-group/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/variables.tf b/variables.tf
index 9647017980..0b155d0786 100644
--- a/variables.tf
+++ b/variables.tf
@@ -69,7 +69,8 @@ variable "compute_config" {
     node_pools    = optional(list(string))
     node_role_arn = optional(string)
   })
-  default = null
+  default  = {}
+  nullable = false
 }
 
 variable "upgrade_policy" {
@@ -611,6 +612,12 @@ variable "enable_auto_mode_custom_tags" {
   default     = true
 }
 
+variable "create_auto_mode_iam_resources" {
+  description = "Determines whether to create/attach IAM resources for EKS Auto Mode. Useful for when using only custom node pools and not built-in EKS Auto Mode node pools"
+  type        = bool
+  default     = false
+}
+
 ################################################################################
 # EKS Addons
 ################################################################################
diff --git a/versions.tf b/versions.tf
index 6c8090303a..d6ab6ed94e 100644
--- a/versions.tf
+++ b/versions.tf
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ terraform {
   required_providers {
     aws = {
       source  = "hashicorp/aws"
-      version = ">= 6.9"
+      version = ">= 6.13"
     }
     tls = {
       source  = "hashicorp/tls"