Hayastan Dashinq

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Hayastan Dashinq — the Armenia Alliance — is the principal opposition coalition in Armenian politics, led by former President Robert Kocharyan . The alliance brings together Kocharyan’s political bloc with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF/Dashnaktsutyun) and other parties. It holds a consistently patriotic and nationalistic foreign policy orientation, and has been the most vocal opposition force against the Pashinyan government’s peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.

The alliance competed in the 2021 parliamentary elections and is registered to compete in the June 7, 2026 elections as one of the two alliances in the race. Groong episodes covering Hayastan Dashinq examine its internal dynamics, its positions on the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict and the right of return for displaced Armenians, its relationship with Russia and the CSTO, and its electoral strategy as the best-organized opposition force heading into the 2026 vote.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Hayastan Dashinq.

Constitutional Court Strips Prosperous Armenia of Seats by 200 Votes [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Politics, Armenia

Armenia’s Constitutional Court invalidated votes from three precincts to exclude Prosperous Armenia from parliament, falling just 200 votes short of the 4% threshold despite over 1.5 million total votes cast.

Opposition Will Take Parliament Seats, Plans Coordination for Future Battles [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Politics, Armenia

After the Constitutional Court ruling, Strong Armenia and Armenia Alliance confirmed they will accept parliamentary mandates, betting that legislative work combined with coordinated street action will be more effective than boycott.

The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Court rubber stamps stolen elections
  • Von der Leyen in the South Caucasus
  • EU connectivity push in Caucasus
  • Rubinyan vs. Simonyan
  • Post-election opposition raids begin
  • IMEI or IMEI not

Episode 564 | Recorded: July 6, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #Pashinyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #ConstitutionalCourt #SurveillanceState

The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • Court rubber stamps stolen elections
  • Von der Leyen in the South Caucasus
  • EU connectivity push in Caucasus
  • Rubinyan vs. Simonyan
  • Post-election opposition raids begin
  • IMEI or IMEI not

Episode 564 | Recorded: July 6, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #Pashinyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #ConstitutionalCourt #SurveillanceState

Transcript: The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Groong Week in Review for July 5, 2026, Hovik and Asbed analyze Armenia’s Constitutional Court ruling upholding the disputed 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election results. We examine the disqualification of Prosperous Armenia votes, Civil Contract’s three-fifths majority, the opposition’s parliamentary leverage, and what these outcomes mean for Armenian sovereignty amid ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process negotiations and regional pressures.

Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election aftermath and disputed legitimacy
  • Threats against opposition parties
  • Armenia-Russia tensions after vote
  • EU lifeline for Armenian exports
  • Polling failures and hidden votes

Episode 559 | Recorded: June 18, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HrantMikaelian #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #ArmeniaRussia #Polling

Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election aftermath and disputed legitimacy
  • Threats against opposition parties
  • Armenia-Russia tensions after vote
  • EU lifeline for Armenian exports
  • Polling failures and hidden votes

Episode 559 | Recorded: June 18, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HrantMikaelian #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #ArmeniaRussia #Polling

Transcript: Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about the disputed aftermath of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary election. We discuss allegations of electoral fraud, threats against opposition parties, the Anti-Corruption Committee’s proposed ban on opposition groups, Armenia-Russia tensions following the vote, and the EU’s financial support for Armenian agricultural exports amid Russian sanctions.

Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Contested results and thresholds
  • Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
  • Western backing and interference
  • Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
  • Opposition choices after the vote

Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026

#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition

Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Contested results and thresholds
  • Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
  • Western backing and interference
  • Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
  • Opposition choices after the vote

Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026

#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition

Transcript: Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia’s contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election and Pashinyan’s path to a third term. We discuss whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the outcome, the razor-thin thresholds that determine parliamentary representation, Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown against the Established Opposition, and what a Civil Contract supermajority would mean for Armenia’s governance and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process.

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Arrests of government critics
  • State pressure on voters
  • Public resources used for campaigns
  • Selective prosecution before elections
  • Election legitimacy under serious doubt

Episode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Arrests of government critics
  • State pressure on voters
  • Public resources used for campaigns
  • Selective prosecution before elections
  • Election legitimacy under serious doubt

Episode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Transcript: Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia’s deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA’s second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serious threats to electoral legitimacy and civil rights under the Civil Contract regime.

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Free and fair elections
  • Polls and opposition unity
  • Hayastan Dashinq platform
  • TRIPP and foreign policy
  • Economy and Russian pressure

Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Free and fair elections
  • Polls and opposition unity
  • Hayastan Dashinq platform
  • TRIPP and foreign policy
  • Economy and Russian pressure

Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong

Groong News Digest — Week of May 25–31, 2026

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Digest, News Digest

As Armenia heads toward June 7 parliamentary elections, Pashinyan faces pressure from Russia while backing from Trump, with opposition arrests continuing and critical TRIPP corridor agreements signed with the United States.

Transcript: Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media control, and competing pressures from the United States, EU, Russia, and regional actors including Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
  • Polls diverge before election
  • Hidden vote raises questions
  • TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
  • “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
  • Opposition faces arrests, threats
  • “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric

Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition

Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China

Topics:

  • Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
  • Polls diverge before election
  • Hidden vote raises questions
  • TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
  • “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
  • Opposition faces arrests, threats
  • “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric

Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition

Transcript: Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, Transcript

This Week in Review examines the tightening political climate in Armenia ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Asbed and Hovik discuss Marco Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit, new polling from IRI, MPG, and CAEAC, and what the wide gaps in voter disclosure may reveal about hidden opposition support. The episode also covers TRIPP, “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric, public trust in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the growing use of arrests, threats, and state pressure against opposition figures. The discussion centers on Pashinyan’s escalating campaign rhetoric, including his “Why are you alive?” outburst, and what it signals about the stakes of the coming election.

Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s existential election
  • Polling under fear
  • Divergent polling results
  • Church and state conflict
  • Post-election street pressure

Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections

Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s existential election
  • Polling under fear
  • Divergent polling results
  • Church and state conflict
  • Post-election street pressure

Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections

Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026 [EP548]

Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, European Union | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Armenia’s election rules
  • Parties and alliances competing
  • MPG polling and thresholds
  • Opposition challenges and turnout
  • Geopolitical positions heatmap

Episode 548 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #ArmenianPolitics #Artsakh #SouthCaucasus #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #HayastanDashinq

Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026 [EP548]

Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, European Union

Topics:

  • Armenia’s election rules
  • Parties and alliances competing
  • MPG polling and thresholds
  • Opposition challenges and turnout
  • Geopolitical positions heatmap

Episode 548 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #ArmenianPolitics #Artsakh #SouthCaucasus #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #HayastanDashinq

Transcript: Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Transcript

This Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a discussion of Armenia’s upcoming election and the wider struggle over the country’s political future. The conversation examines whether the vote should be viewed as an existential election, how fear and pressure shape public opinion, why polling results differ so sharply, and which political forces may be positioned to enter parliament. The episode also looks at whether the opposition is focused on the issues that matter most, including statehood, security, public trust, and the possibility that the election may not end at the ballot box.

Transcript: Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026 [EP548]

Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, European Union, Transcript

This Conversations on Groong episode provides a primer on Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, reviewing the 17 parties and 2 alliances registered to compete. The discussion explains the election rules, thresholds, coalition process, and the “stable majority” mechanism, while stressing the uneven political environment facing opposition forces. The episode then walks through each participant, including Civil Contract, Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armenia, Wings of Unity, Bright Armenia, ANC, Bever, Republic, DOK, Democratic Consolidation, and smaller parties with  Read More

Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Trump, China, and Iran
  • Armenia-Russia “soft divorce”
  • Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric
  • State resources and election pressure
  • Javakhk church vandalism concerns

Episode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026

#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasus

Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO

Topics:

  • Trump, China, and Iran
  • Armenia-Russia “soft divorce”
  • Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric
  • State resources and election pressure
  • Javakhk church vandalism concerns

Episode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026

#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO, Transcript

This Week in Review covers a tense mix of global and Armenian political crises, from Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping and the deepening Iran war, to Armenia’s worsening relations with Russia and the risks to trade, energy, and security ties. Hovik and Asbed also examine Armenia’s heated election climate, including allegations of state pressure, abuse of administrative resources, selective law enforcement, Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric against opposition leaders, and the muted response of international observers. The episode also looks at Robert Kocharyan’s call for major-power guarantees for peace with Azerbaijan, and the vandalism of the Sourp Nshan Armenian Church in Javakhk.

Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights | Series: wir

Topics:

  • EPC fallout and Russia response
  • Armenia-EU declaration controversies
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh campaign narrative
  • Aliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messaging
  • Swiss Peace Initiative
  • Pollsters diverge on election forecasts

Episode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026

#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #Artsakh

Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights

Topics:

  • EPC fallout and Russia response
  • Armenia-EU declaration controversies
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh campaign narrative
  • Aliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messaging
  • Swiss Peace Initiative
  • Pollsters diverge on election forecasts

Episode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026

#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #Artsakh

Transcript: Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights, Transcript

In this Week in Review, Asbed and Hovik discuss the fallout from the EPC summit in Yerevan, Armenia’s role as a platform for anti-Russian messaging, and Putin’s warning about a possible “separation” if Armenia moves toward the EU. They examine the Armenia-EU declaration, focusing on TRIPP, Ukraine, hybrid threats, security cooperation, visa liberalization, and the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The episode then turns to Armenia’s election campaign, Pashinyan’s claim that Artsakh was “never ours,” Aliyev’s parallel messaging from occupied Artsakh, pressure on opposition figures, the Swiss Peace Initiative, and sharp divergence between election polls.

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election campaign and opposition strategy
  • EPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influence
  • Foreign policy, security, and regional risks
  • Domestic priorities and election integrity

Episode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #Artsakh

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election campaign and opposition strategy
  • EPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influence
  • Foreign policy, security, and regional risks
  • Domestic priorities and election integrity

Episode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #Artsakh

Transcript: Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights, Transcript

Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev’s remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq’s 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia’s lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas,  Read More

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

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]

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

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]

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, Transcript

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.

Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia and election dynamics
  • New arrests and political pressure
  • Artsakh Armenians and their rights
  • TRIPP corridor and regional security

Episode 537 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia and election dynamics
  • New arrests and political pressure
  • Artsakh Armenians and their rights
  • TRIPP corridor and regional security

Episode 537 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

Transcript: Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran, Transcript

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy.

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

Guest:

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

Guest:

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]

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, Transcript

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

Guest:

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

Guest:

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.

Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • 2016 April War
  • Aftermath of Pashinyan in Moscow
  • Domestic Politics & Election

Episode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • 2016 April War
  • Aftermath of Pashinyan in Moscow
  • Domestic Politics & Election

Episode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Transcript: Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Transcript

In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.

Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Iran War and Its Global Impacts
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Parliamentary Elections in Armenia

Episode 529 | Recorded on April 3, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP

Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Iran War and Its Global Impacts
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Parliamentary Elections in Armenia

Episode 529 | Recorded on April 3, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP

Transcript: Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO, Transcript

Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.

Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II & Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Elections | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026 [EP527]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, China, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Economy, Lebanon | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Georgian Patriarch Ilia II passes away
  • Karekin II travel banned from funeral
  • Iran war update
  • June election in Armenia

Episode 527 | Recorded: March 23, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II & Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Elections | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026 [EP527]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, China, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Economy, Lebanon

Topics:

  • Georgian Patriarch Ilia II passes away
  • Karekin II travel banned from funeral
  • Iran war update
  • June election in Armenia

Episode 527 | Recorded: March 23, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026 [EP519]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Genocide, Armenian Church, Iran, Middle East, NATO, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Fears
  • June Parliamentary Elections
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasus

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026 [EP519]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Genocide, Armenian Church, Iran, Middle East, NATO, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Fears
  • June Parliamentary Elections
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasus

Arthur Khachatryan - Army Day, JD Vance to Armenia, TRIPP, Church, Strong Armenia Political Party | Ep 510, Jan 27, 2026 [EP510]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Iran, Economy, Georgia, Human Rights, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Memorial Day vs. Army Day
  • JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan
  • Armenian Church Developments
  • Strong Armenia - New Political Party

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026

Arthur Khachatryan - Army Day, JD Vance to Armenia, TRIPP, Church, Strong Armenia Political Party | Ep 510, Jan 27, 2026 [EP510]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Iran, Economy, Georgia, Human Rights, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Memorial Day vs. Army Day
  • JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan
  • Armenian Church Developments
  • Strong Armenia - New Political Party

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026