This Groong Week in Review examines a volatile week across Armenia and the region. Asbed and Hovik discuss Trump’s declared ceasefire with Iran, the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the continuing naval blockade, and the wider political pressure shaping Washington’s war posture. The episode also covers “Operation Kochari,” the secret visit of Azerbaijani deputy prime minister Shahin Mustafayev to Armenia, border demarcation, TRIPP, and the political theater around trade with Azerbaijan. The discussion turns to Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, the muted international response, and Pashinyan’s comments on the issue. The hosts also analyze the latest MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud concerns, the EPC meeting, legal pressure on the opposition, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.
Topics:
Iran War
Mustafayev in Armenia
Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
Election politics
Hosts:
Hovik Manucharyan
Asbed Bedrossian
Episode 539 | Recorded: May 2, 2026
SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/539
#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong
