Zangezur Corridor
Last updated: May 29, 2026
The Zangezur Corridor refers to Azerbaijan and Turkey’s longstanding demand for a transit route through Armenia’s Syunik province that would connect Azerbaijan proper to its Nakhchivan exclave and onward to Turkey. Azerbaijani officials have argued that the November 2020 ceasefire agreement obligates Armenia to provide this corridor, a reading Armenia has contested.
With 80 episodes of coverage, the Zangezur Corridor is one of the most frequently discussed geopolitical topics on Groong. The demand is central to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations: critics in Armenia argue that granting the corridor would require ceding sovereign control over a strategically vital strip of territory in the country’s southernmost province, effectively cutting Armenia off from Iran. Supporters of the peace process argue that a corridor under Armenian sovereignty and jurisdiction is a manageable compromise.
The corridor question intersects with TRIPP — the Trump administration’s rebranding of the same connectivity concept as an economic initiative — and with the North-South Corridor , which runs through the same region in the opposite direction. Groong episodes examine the legal interpretations of the 2020 ceasefire, the negotiating positions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the role of Russia and the West, and the domestic Armenian political debate over whether any corridor agreement is acceptable.
Groong episodes that include this tag
Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Zangezur Corridor.
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Ukraine’s long war and endgame
- Novorossiya and a landlocked Ukraine?
- Europe rearms against Russia
- NATO 3.0 and containment
- Armenia’s post-election Western pivot
- EU promises versus EAEU dependence
- TRIPP, Syunik, and Russian red lines
Episode 566 | Recorded: July 9, 2026
#Russia #UkraineWar #NATO #Europe #Armenia #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Syunik #EAEU
Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 [EP566]
Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, PoliticsGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Ukraine’s long war and endgame
- Novorossiya and a landlocked Ukraine?
- Europe rearms against Russia
- NATO 3.0 and containment
- Armenia’s post-election Western pivot
- EU promises versus EAEU dependence
- TRIPP, Syunik, and Russian red lines
Episode 566 | Recorded: July 9, 2026
#Russia #UkraineWar #NATO #Europe #Armenia #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Syunik #EAEU
Transcript: Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 [EP566]
Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Politics, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about Russia’s strategic position across multiple fronts: the Ukraine War, Armenia’s post-election Western pivot, TRIPP and Syunik, and Europe’s rearmament against Russia. We discuss the long-term confrontation between Russia and NATO, Pashinyan’s Western alignment after the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how transport corridors in the South Caucasus may reshape regional containment lines.
Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]
Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Ukraine’s war of attrition
- Russia’s strategic bandwidth problem
- TRIPP and Iran’s red lines
- Israel’s Armenian Genocide move
- Armenia’s Western pivot after elections
Episode 565 | Recorded: July 8, 2026
#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #UkraineWar #Russia #Armenia #EAEU #TRIPP #Geopolitics
Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]
Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Ukraine’s war of attrition
- Russia’s strategic bandwidth problem
- TRIPP and Iran’s red lines
- Israel’s Armenian Genocide move
- Armenia’s Western pivot after elections
Episode 565 | Recorded: July 8, 2026
#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #UkraineWar #Russia #Armenia #EAEU #TRIPP #Geopolitics
Transcript: Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]
Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Category: TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia’s strategic position amid the Ukraine War and its implications for Armenia. We discuss why Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine despite its military superiority, how the war of attrition shapes Russian bandwidth for the South Caucasus, the geopolitical role of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, and Pashinyan’s Western pivot following the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
- TRIPP and shifting regional power
- Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
- Opposition failures and future strategy
- Risks of another parliamentary election
Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan
Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, IranGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
- TRIPP and shifting regional power
- Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
- Opposition failures and future strategy
- Risks of another parliamentary election
Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan
Transcript: Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia’s contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics reshape the South Caucasus.
Groong Links:
Topics:
- Armenian Election Aftermath
- Armenia-Georgia Relations
- US-Iran Interim Agreement
Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC
Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, IranGroong Links:
Topics:
- Armenian Election Aftermath
- Armenia-Georgia Relations
- US-Iran Interim Agreement
Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC
Transcript: Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, TranscriptIn this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian analyze the aftermath of Armenia’s 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war’s resolution affects Armenian security, energy markets, and the broader South Caucasus landscape.
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
Groong Links:
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 KarabakhGroong Links:
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
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, TranscriptIn 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
Groong Links:
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, ChinaGroong Links:
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, TranscriptThis 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
Groong Links:
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, AzerbaijanGroong Links:
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
Groong News Digest — Week of May 18–24, 2026
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Digest, News DigestArmenia’s June 7 parliamentary campaign turned sharply confrontational as security forces raided opposition offices, Russia escalated economic pressure through export bans, and Pashinyan announced new railway connectivity through Turkey while signaling further territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.
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, TranscriptThis 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.
Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO | Series: cog
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Revolutionary recklessness after 2020
- Armenia’s pivot away from Russia
- Artsakh’s surrender and strategic reorientation
- TRIPP, Syunik, and security guarantees
- Western backing, Armenian risk
Episode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026
#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics
Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATOGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Revolutionary recklessness after 2020
- Armenia’s pivot away from Russia
- Artsakh’s surrender and strategic reorientation
- TRIPP, Syunik, and security guarantees
- Western backing, Armenian risk
Episode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026
#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics
Transcript: Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, TranscriptDr. Arman Grigoryan joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s post-2020 foreign policy and his argument that Pashinyan’s government has replaced one failed project, maximalist claims over Artsakh, with another: a risky strategic pivot away from Russia and toward the West. The conversation examines “revolutionary recklessness,” the roots of the 2020 war, Armenia’s worsening ties with Russia, the surrender of Artsakh, TRIPP and Syunik, Western encouragement, and the absence of firm security guarantees. Grigoryan also considers whether Armenia is gaining real sovereignty or exposing itself to greater pressure from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia.
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
Groong Links:
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 RightsGroong Links:
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
EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]
Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European Union | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- EU role in Armenia’s elections
- Fact-checkers and political bias
- Dissent labeled as disinformation
- Lawsuits, pressure, and intimidation
- Censorship and social media control
Episode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeech
EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]
Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European UnionGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- EU role in Armenia’s elections
- Fact-checkers and political bias
- Dissent labeled as disinformation
- Lawsuits, pressure, and intimidation
- Censorship and social media control
Episode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeech
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, TranscriptAnna 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
Transcript: EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]
Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European Union, TranscriptHovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia’s 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of “hybrid threats” and “disinformation” labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia’s fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia’s information space.
Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]
Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey | Series: cog
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order
- Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions
- Iran war and diplomatic offramps
- Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus
Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026
#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus
Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]
Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, TurkeyGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order
- Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions
- Iran war and diplomatic offramps
- Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus
Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026
#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus
Transcript: Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]
Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, Dr. Anatol Lieven joins us to examine Russia’s place in a rapidly shifting global order. The discussion looks at the war in Ukraine, the state of Russia-EU relations after Viktor Orbán’s political defeat, and the uncertain trajectory of the war on Iran, including whether any real diplomatic offramp still exists. They also explore whether Russia’s relationship with Iran is truly strategic or mainly transactional, how China fits into the wider balance of power, and what all of this means for the South Caucasus, Armenia’s current path under Pashinyan, and Azerbaijan’s ambitions to turn wartime leverage into lasting regional influence.
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
Groong Links:
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 UnionGroong Links:
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, TranscriptThis 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.
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
Groong Links:
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 RightsGroong Links:
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, TranscriptHrair 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
Groong Links:
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, IranGroong Links:
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, TranscriptIn 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, TranscriptWe 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
Groong Links:
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 UnionGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran War and TRIPP
- Armenian Genocide commemoration
- Peace narrative vs corridor reality
- Parliamentary election
Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026
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, NATOGroong 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]
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, TranscriptIn 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.
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
Groong Links:
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, NATOGroong Links:
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, TranscriptDr. 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.
Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026 [EP528]
Posted on Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Artsakh, Election, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide | Series: wir, video
Groong Links:
Guest:
- Anna Karapetyan Director of the Insight Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research.
Topics:
- Iran war escalation and spillover
- Pashinyanâs Fake âpeaceâ narrative
- Elections built on fear-mongering
- Silencing talk of Artsakh
Episode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026
Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026 [EP528]
Posted on Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Artsakh, Election, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Armenian GenocideGroong Links:
Guest:
- Anna Karapetyan Director of the Insight Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research.
Topics:
- Iran war escalation and spillover
- Pashinyanâs Fake âpeaceâ narrative
- Elections built on fear-mongering
- Silencing talk of Artsakh
Episode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026
Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026 [EP525]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, Politics, Armenia, Israel, USA, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Syria, Economy, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Georgia, Middle East | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran at War
- The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
- Changing Nakhijevanâs Constitution
Episode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026
#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasus
Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026 [EP525]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, Politics, Armenia, Israel, USA, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Syria, Economy, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Georgia, Middle EastGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran at War
- The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
- Changing Nakhijevanâs Constitution
Episode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026
#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasus
Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026 [EP524]
Posted on Friday, Mar 20, 2026 | Category: Politics, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, USA, Turkey, Artsakh, Geopolitics, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Syria, China, Economy, Georgia, Ukraine | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran at War
- The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
- Changing Nakhichevanâs Constitution
Episode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026
#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopolitics
Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026 [EP524]
Posted on Friday, Mar 20, 2026 | Category: Politics, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, USA, Turkey, Artsakh, Geopolitics, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Syria, China, Economy, Georgia, UkraineGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran at War
- The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
- Changing Nakhichevanâs Constitution
Episode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026
#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopolitics
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
Groong Links:
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 EastGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran War
- Effect on Armenia
- June Parliamentary Elections
Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026