Strong Armenia

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Strong Armenia is a political alliance competing in the June 7, 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections, led by businessman and opposition figure Samvel Karapetyan . MPG polling conducted ahead of the elections placed Strong Armenia consistently in second place, making it one of the most viable opposition forces in the race.

Groong has covered Samvel Karapetyan’s rise as a political figure and the formation of Strong Armenia as a vehicle for opposition voters who do not align with the Armenia Alliance led by Robert Kocharyan . Episodes examine the party’s positions on foreign policy, the Artsakh displaced population’s right of return, relations with Russia and the West, and the question of whether the fragmented Armenian opposition can coordinate to deny Civil Contract a governing majority.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Strong Armenia.

Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia security doctrine
  • Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory
  • TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks
  • Diplomacy from a position of strength
  • EPC optics and national insecurity

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia security doctrine
  • Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory
  • TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks
  • Diplomacy from a position of strength
  • EPC optics and national insecurity

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Transcript

This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.

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.

Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Mr. Balian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

  • US-Iran war and failed diplomacy
  • TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks
  • Karabakh negotiations and missed chances
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal
  • Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights

Guest:

Mr. Balian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

  • US-Iran war and failed diplomacy
  • TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks
  • Karabakh negotiations and missed chances
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal
  • Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

Transcript: Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights, Transcript

Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.

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.

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]

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 | Series: wir, video

Guest:

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]

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • IODA’s mission and election observation work
  • Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary election risks
  • Questions around international observer impartiality
  • Suspect voter lists, fraud, and transparency concerns
  • Pressure on opposition figures and parties

Episode 535 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

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

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia

Guest:

Topics:

  • IODA’s mission and election observation work
  • Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary election risks
  • Questions around international observer impartiality
  • Suspect voter lists, fraud, and transparency concerns
  • Pressure on opposition figures and parties

Episode 535 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

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

Transcript: Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia, Transcript

Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day.

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

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 522, Mar 15, 2026 [EP522]

Posted on Monday, Mar 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Georgia, Middle East | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Effect on Armenia
  • June Parliamentary Elections

Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 522, Mar 15, 2026 [EP522]

Posted on Monday, Mar 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Georgia, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Effect on Armenia
  • June Parliamentary Elections

Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War, IRI Poll Review, Armenian Political Landscape for 2026 Election | Ep 521, Mar 8, 2026 [EP521]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, USA, Israel, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, China | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • IRI Poll Review
  • Political Landscape

Episode 521 | Recorded: March 10, 2026

#IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflict

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War, IRI Poll Review, Armenian Political Landscape for 2026 Election | Ep 521, Mar 8, 2026 [EP521]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, USA, Israel, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, China

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • IRI Poll Review
  • Political Landscape

Episode 521 | Recorded: March 10, 2026

#IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflict

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

Asbed & Hovik - Iran, Varchaband, War on Church, Mehmet Oz, Strong Armenia, Noragyugh | Ep 512, Feb 1, 2026 [EP512]

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, BRICS, Russia, Turkey, China, India, Ukraine | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Iran Conflict
  • Varchaband
  • War on Armenian Church
  • Mehmet Oz vs Armenian Americans
  • Narek Karapetyan and Strong Armenia
  • A Big Beautiful Noragyugh

Episode 512 | Recorded: February 2, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #TrumpArmada #ArmenianChurch #Pashinyan #ArmenianDiaspora

Asbed & Hovik - Iran, Varchaband, War on Church, Mehmet Oz, Strong Armenia, Noragyugh | Ep 512, Feb 1, 2026 [EP512]

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, BRICS, Russia, Turkey, China, India, Ukraine

Topics:

  • Iran Conflict
  • Varchaband
  • War on Armenian Church
  • Mehmet Oz vs Armenian Americans
  • Narek Karapetyan and Strong Armenia
  • A Big Beautiful Noragyugh

Episode 512 | Recorded: February 2, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #TrumpArmada #ArmenianChurch #Pashinyan #ArmenianDiaspora

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

Joel Veldkamp - Armenia’s Prayer Breakfast and the Crackdown on the Church | Ep 490, Nov 27, 2025 [EP490]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, Genocide | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Clergy Arrests in Armenia
  • Church Under Pressure
  • Prayer Breakfast Controversy
  • Western Silence on Repression
  • CSI’s Findings in Yerevan

Episode 490 | Recorded: November 25, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #ChristianSolidarityInternational #HumanRightsInArmenia

Joel Veldkamp - Armenia’s Prayer Breakfast and the Crackdown on the Church | Ep 490, Nov 27, 2025 [EP490]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Clergy Arrests in Armenia
  • Church Under Pressure
  • Prayer Breakfast Controversy
  • Western Silence on Repression
  • CSI’s Findings in Yerevan

Episode 490 | Recorded: November 25, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #ChristianSolidarityInternational #HumanRightsInArmenia

Sergei Melkonian - September 12-13 Anniv, Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, More USAID, Georgian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 365 - Sep 15, 2024 [EP365]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Turkey, Georgia, Iran, NATO, Ukraine, China, Genocide, Geopolitics, Israel, Middle East, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • September 12-13 Anniversary
  • Between Blinken and a Hard Place
  • More USAID for Armenia
  • Georgian Parliamentary Elections

Episode 365 | Recorded: Sep. 17, 2024

Sergei Melkonian - September 12-13 Anniv, Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, More USAID, Georgian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 365 - Sep 15, 2024 [EP365]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Turkey, Georgia, Iran, NATO, Ukraine, China, Genocide, Geopolitics, Israel, Middle East, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • September 12-13 Anniversary
  • Between Blinken and a Hard Place
  • More USAID for Armenia
  • Georgian Parliamentary Elections

Episode 365 | Recorded: Sep. 17, 2024

Benyamin Poghosyan - Genocide Denial by the Armenian Government | Armenia Azerbaijan Talks | Iran Amidst Conflicts | Political Prisoners | Ep 324 - Apr 14, 2024 [EP324]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Israel, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Russia, Turkey, Syria, Middle East, Georgia, Ukraine, European Union, Human Rights, Geopolitics, NATO | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Iran Amidst Conflicts
  • Political Prisoners

Episode 324 | Recorded: April 16, 2024

Benyamin Poghosyan - Genocide Denial by the Armenian Government | Armenia Azerbaijan Talks | Iran Amidst Conflicts | Political Prisoners | Ep 324 - Apr 14, 2024 [EP324]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Israel, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Russia, Turkey, Syria, Middle East, Georgia, Ukraine, European Union, Human Rights, Geopolitics, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Iran Amidst Conflicts
  • Political Prisoners

Episode 324 | Recorded: April 16, 2024

Tevan Poghosyan - Political Prisoners in Armenia | Stoltenberg in the South Caucasus | Pashinyan in Tavush | Ep 320 - Mar 24, 2024 [EP320]

Posted on Monday, Mar 25, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, NATO, Georgia, Ukraine, Genocide, Human Rights, Economy | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Terror Attack in Moscow
  • Growing List of Political Prisoners in Armenia
    • Narek Samsonyan & Vazgen Saghatelyan brutally arrested
    • Narek Malyan Exonerated, Remains Jailed
  • Pashinyan in Tavush
  • Stoltenberg’s in the South Caucasus

Episode 320 | Recorded: March 25, 2024

Tevan Poghosyan - Political Prisoners in Armenia | Stoltenberg in the South Caucasus | Pashinyan in Tavush | Ep 320 - Mar 24, 2024 [EP320]

Posted on Monday, Mar 25, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, NATO, Georgia, Ukraine, Genocide, Human Rights, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Terror Attack in Moscow
  • Growing List of Political Prisoners in Armenia
    • Narek Samsonyan & Vazgen Saghatelyan brutally arrested
    • Narek Malyan Exonerated, Remains Jailed
  • Pashinyan in Tavush
  • Stoltenberg’s in the South Caucasus

Episode 320 | Recorded: March 25, 2024

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Parliamentary Elections | Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia? | Iran Armenia Relations | Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs| Ep 314 - Mar 12, 2024 [EP314]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, India, Georgia, NATO, Israel, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Parliamentary Elections | Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia? | Iran Armenia Relations | Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs| Ep 314 - Mar 12, 2024 [EP314]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, India, Georgia, NATO, Israel, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

Arthur G Martirosyan - Negotiations | Point Zero | Western Interests | Israel Gaza Conflict | Ep 299 - Dec 17, 2023 [EP299]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, European Union, Ukraine, Economy, China, Lebanon, Middle East, NATO, Syria | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Negotiations
    • Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”
  • The West’s Interests
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict

Episode 299 | Recorded: December 18, 2023

Arthur G Martirosyan - Negotiations | Point Zero | Western Interests | Israel Gaza Conflict | Ep 299 - Dec 17, 2023 [EP299]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, European Union, Ukraine, Economy, China, Lebanon, Middle East, NATO, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Negotiations
    • Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”
  • The West’s Interests
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict

Episode 299 | Recorded: December 18, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - At the Brink of a New War? | Armenia Russia Relations | Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs Moscow | Yerevan Mayor | Ep 286, Oct 15, 2023 [EP286]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Russia, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, NATO, Ukraine | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • At the Brink of a New War?
  • Relations with Russia
  • Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow
  • Update on Yerevan Mayor

Episode 286 | Recorded: October 17, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - At the Brink of a New War? | Armenia Russia Relations | Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs Moscow | Yerevan Mayor | Ep 286, Oct 15, 2023 [EP286]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Russia, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, NATO, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • At the Brink of a New War?
  • Relations with Russia
  • Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow
  • Update on Yerevan Mayor

Episode 286 | Recorded: October 17, 2023

Karen Vrtanesyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 19 [EP196]

Posted on Friday, Dec 30, 2022 | Category: Artsakh, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Artsakh Blockade, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, NATO, Syria | Series: cog, video

Guest:

  • Karen Vrtanesyan , expert on military and warfare strategies with a focus on Armenia and its neighboring region. Co-founder of the website razm.info.

“This is not a humanitarian crisis. This is a political crisis, a crisis of statehood. -Karen Vrtanesyan”

Topic:

This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.

Links:

Episode 196 | Recorded: December 30, 2022

Karen Vrtanesyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 19 [EP196]

Posted on Friday, Dec 30, 2022 | Category: Artsakh, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Artsakh Blockade, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, NATO, Syria

Guest:

  • Karen Vrtanesyan , expert on military and warfare strategies with a focus on Armenia and its neighboring region. Co-founder of the website razm.info.

“This is not a humanitarian crisis. This is a political crisis, a crisis of statehood. -Karen Vrtanesyan”

Topic:

This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.

Links:

Episode 196 | Recorded: December 30, 2022

November 10, Perspective From Artsakh Two Years Later [EP178]

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2022 | Category: Society, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Economy | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • November 10 as perceived by Artsakhtsis
  • Update on the status of refugees
  • Update on the economy of Artsakh
  • Rally at the Renaissance Square
  • Generating and communicating support for Artsakh

Episode 178 | Recorded: November 14, 2022

November 10, Perspective From Artsakh Two Years Later [EP178]

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2022 | Category: Society, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • November 10 as perceived by Artsakhtsis
  • Update on the status of refugees
  • Update on the economy of Artsakh
  • Rally at the Renaissance Square
  • Generating and communicating support for Artsakh

Episode 178 | Recorded: November 14, 2022