USA | Armenian News Network / Groong Podcast

Aryeh Lightstone: The Rabbi Behind TRIPP and U.S. Armenian Policy [EP576]

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, USA, Israel, Politics, Armenia

Hovik profiles Aryeh Lightstone, the Orthodox rabbi and Abraham Accords architect now advising on TRIPP implementation in Armenia.

Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora | Series: cog, video

Groong Links:

Guest(s):

Christine A. Arakelian

Topics:

US Foreign Policy & the Fracture of MAGA
Iran and the Risk of Forever Wars
NATO 3.0 and Europe’s Militarization
Post-2026 Election Armenia
TRIPP and Pashinyan’s Pivot to the West

Episode 572 | Recorded: July 29, 2026

#ForeverWars #NATO #IranWar #Armenia #TRIPP #MAGA #USForeignPolicy #SouthCaucasus

Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora

Groong Links:

Guest(s):

Christine A. Arakelian

Topics:

US Foreign Policy & the Fracture of MAGA
Iran and the Risk of Forever Wars
NATO 3.0 and Europe’s Militarization
Post-2026 Election Armenia
TRIPP and Pashinyan’s Pivot to the West

Episode 572 | Recorded: July 29, 2026

#ForeverWars #NATO #IranWar #Armenia #TRIPP #MAGA #USForeignPolicy #SouthCaucasus

Gaza, Lebanon, Iran: How Wars Shattered MAGA Coalition [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Politics, USA

Christine Arakelian explains how the Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran wars have permanently fractured Trump’s coalition among Muslim Americans, Orthodox Christians, and diaspora populations who now see themselves as used.

NATO 3.0: Why Europe Will Call the Shots as US Withdraws [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: NATO, Geopolitics, USA, European Union

Christine Arakelian explains how NATO 3.0 represents a fundamental power shift: Europe’s increased defense spending will give it greater strategic independence, reducing US influence over European decision-making.

Pashinyan's Western Pivot Is All Optics, No Congressional Buy-In [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Politics, Armenia, USA

Arakelian argues that Pashinyan’s Western pivot lacks congressional support because it ignores the Armenian-American diaspora, capping Armenia’s influence in Washington and making the strategy vulnerable to changes in administration.

Turkey's NATO Victory: Why Erdogan Is Winning While US Looks Away [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: NATO, Geopolitics, Turkey, USA, Middle East

Arakelian argues that Turkey was the real winner of the NATO summit, exploiting US strategic distraction to build parallel alliances with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt while maintaining NATO membership.

US Lost Coherence With Its Closest Allies [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, USA, NATO

Christine Arakelian argues the US has fundamentally broken alignment with its closest historical allies, citing tariffs on Canada, deprioritized UK trade deals, and divergence on Middle East policy.

Why America Can't Get Out of Wars [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, USA

Christine Arakelian explains why the US consistently enters wars easily but struggles to end them, citing institutional inertia, echo chambers, and human psychology rather than strategic necessity.

Transcript: Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Christine Arakelian about American foreign policy fractures, Iran war risks, and Armenia’s pivot to the West. We discuss whether the United States has coherent foreign policy, the collapse of the MAGA coalition over Forever Wars, NATO 3.0 and Europe’s militarization, and how Pashinyan’s post-2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election government is navigating TRIPP amid global instability.

Armenian Genocide Recognition Is Just the Beginning [EP569]

Posted on Saturday, Jul 25, 2026 | Category: Armenian Genocide, Diaspora, USA

What comes after Congress recognizes the Armenian Genocide? Barsamian outlines the next priorities: education, reparations, and the role of Armenia itself.

Iran's Coercive Leverage: The Desalination Plant Gambit [EP568]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, USA, Middle East, Geopolitics

Hovik explains Iran’s economic coercive leverage: by threatening the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf desalination plants, Tehran can pressure Washington into negotiations more effectively than military tactics alone.

Konstantin Sokolov, TRIPP+, and the Teghut Mine: A Conflict of Interest [EP568]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026 | Category: USA, Armenia, Economy, Geopolitics

Konstantin Sokolov, a Trump megadonor, was appointed to lead TRIPP+, a U.S. fund managing $200 million in South Caucasus investments, the same week he acquired Armenia’s second-largest copper mine. The hosts examine the conflict of interest.

The U.S. Has No Theory of Victory in Iran [EP568]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, USA, Middle East, Geopolitics

Hovik argues the U.S. lacks a coherent strategy in the escalating Iran conflict, citing John Mearsheimer’s assessment that Washington is flailing without a clear path to victory.

Turkey Leading NATO's Anti-Russia Charge Through TRIPP and Geopolitics [EP567]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, NATO, Turkey, USA

Hovik explains Turkey’s expanded strategic importance in NATO, positioning TRIPP as a European long-term project to exclude Russia and Iran, not merely a transit corridor.

Russia's Red Line in the South Caucasus: Who Controls TRIPP? [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Category: Russia, USA, Geopolitics, Armenia

Markedonov reveals Russia’s actual red lines in the South Caucasus, explaining why TRIPP matters beyond transportation logistics and what military escalation would mean for the region.

The Minsk Trap: Why Iran Should Fear the US Ceasefire Deal [EP561]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, USA, Middle East

Hovik warns that the US-Iran ceasefire could mirror the failed Minsk agreements, where the West negotiated peace while secretly rearming for a stronger offensive.

Israel's Veto Power Over US-Iran Talks [EP560]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, Israel, USA, Middle East

Dr. Grigoryan explains how Israel’s veto power threatens the US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, and why Netanyahu has incentives to sabotage any agreement.

Trump's Weakness on Israel Is Reshaping US Politics [EP560]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, USA, Israel, Middle East

Grigoryan argues that US-Israel tensions are becoming public and dangerous, with officials like J.D. Vance openly questioning Israeli policy in unprecedented ways.

Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian News, Israel, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Genocide, Human Rights | Series: wir, video

Groong Links:

Topics:

Iran War
Mustafayev in Armenia
Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
Election politics

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 3, 2026

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

Groong Links:

Topics:

Iran War
Mustafayev in Armenia
Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
Election politics

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 3, 2026

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

Transcript: Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.

Transcript: Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Genocide, Georgia, European Union, Transcript

We examine how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Groong Links:

Guest:

Arthur G. Martirosyan

Topics:

Iran War and TRIPP
Armenian Genocide commemoration
Peace narrative vs corridor reality
Parliamentary election

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Groong Links:

Guest:

Arthur G. Martirosyan

Topics:

Iran War and TRIPP
Armenian Genocide commemoration
Peace narrative vs corridor reality
Parliamentary election

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, European Union, Turkey | Series: cog, video

Groong Links:

Guest:

Dr. Dmitry Suslov

Topics:

Iran war dynamics and Russiaâs role
Ukraine war and Europeâs militarization
Armeniaâs pivot and Russiaâs response
Regional power balance

Episode 534 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, European Union, Turkey

Groong Links:

Guest:

Dr. Dmitry Suslov

Topics:

Iran war dynamics and Russiaâs role
Ukraine war and Europeâs militarization
Armeniaâs pivot and Russiaâs response
Regional power balance

Episode 534 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Transcript: Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Read More

Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO | Series: cog, video

Groong Links:

Guest:

Dr. Warwick Powell

Topics:

ThermoEconomics and global power
Iran war and energy
De-dollarization and sovereignty
Armenia: AI data centers, SMRs, and imperialism

Episode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO

Groong Links:

Guest:

Dr. Warwick Powell

Topics:

ThermoEconomics and global power
Iran war and energy
De-dollarization and sovereignty
Armenia: AI data centers, SMRs, and imperialism

Episode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Transcript: Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO, Transcript

Prof. Warwick Powell discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more Read More

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, USA, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, NATO | Series: wir, video

Groong Links:

Guest:

Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian

Topics:

Iran War Fears
June Parliamentary Elections
Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #IranWar #Hormuz #ArmeniaElections #SouthCaucasus

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, USA, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, NATO

Groong Links:

Guest:

Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian

Topics:

Iran War Fears
June Parliamentary Elections
Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #IranWar #Hormuz #ArmeniaElections #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.

Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union | Series: wir, video

Groong Links:

Guest:

Hrant Mikaelian

Topics:

US-Iran Talks in Pakistan
Orban Loses Hungary Elections
Armenian Parliamentary Elections
Polls: MPG, IRI, ARAR, EVN

Episode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026

#Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPolls

Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union

Groong Links:

Guest:

Hrant Mikaelian

Topics:

US-Iran Talks in Pakistan
Orban Loses Hungary Elections
Armenian Parliamentary Elections
Polls: MPG, IRI, ARAR, EVN

Episode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026

#Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPolls

Transcript: Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Transcript

This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.