Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has sent congratulatory messages to neighboring Iran’s top leaders on the occasion of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, amid a continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic.
In a March 21 message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, published by his press office, Pashinian expressed confidence that “relations between the two friendly countries will continue to develop in the coming year, anchored on sincerity, trust, and mutual respect.” He also wished “lasting peace” to “the friendly people of Iran.”
Addressing Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, the Armenian prime minister similarly wished that the New Year bring “lasting peace and prosperity to friendly Iran,” and affirmed that he is “confident that the relations between our countries will continue to develop in the coming year for the benefit of our friendly peoples.”
Pashinian’s Nowruz greetings mark the third time Pashinian has sent messages to Iran’s leadership since the start of the regional conflict on February 28. On March 2, he offered condolences to the Iranian president “on the casualties among the Iranian leadership and citizens,” including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the conflict. On March 9, Pashinian congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on succeeding his late father as Iran’s supreme leader.
Officials in Armenia have reacted cautiously to the continuing war that could have far-reaching ramifications for the South Caucasus nation’s security. Yerevan has emphasized diplomacy as a solution to the conflict.
Pashinian has been accused by his domestic critics of ignoring potential security fallout from the war and focusing on his reelection campaign instead. He has dismissed these concerns, noting that “all necessary measures have been put in place long in advance” by his government.
Nevertheless, the Armenian prime minister acknowledged last week that the ongoing Iran war could delay the planned opening of a U.S.-administered transit corridor for Azerbaijan through Armenia.
Iran remains a key trading partner for Armenia and one of its two overland routes to international markets. Although the Armenian-Iranian border has largely remained open since the outbreak of hostilities, the conflict has reportedly caused a significant drop in cargo traffic between the two countries.
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RFE/RL – Indicted Armenian Catholicos Barred From Traveling Abroad To Attend G
Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has been barred from leaving Armenia as part of a criminal investigation and will not attend the funeral of Georgian Orthodox leader Ilia II, his attorney said.
The funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, who died at the age of 93 on March 17, is scheduled for Sunday in Tbilisi.
Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was indicted in February in connection with an ongoing criminal case linked to his refusal to comply with a court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop. The case is tied to a broader dispute involving Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his campaign to oust Garegin II as the church leader.
The indictment led to a ban on Garegin II’s travel abroad, imposed days before a planned visit to Austria for a meeting of senior clergy that Pashinian had implicitly pledged to block.
According to Garegin II’s lawyer, Ara Zohrabian, a request was submitted earlier this week asking investigators to lift or ease the travel restrictions so the catholicos could attend Ilia II’s funeral following an official invitation.
Armenia’s Investigative Committee declined the request. Zohrabian said the decision rejecting the motion was received on March 21.
“This is another obviously illegal decision that will cause great damage to the reputation of our country,” Zohrabian wrote on Facebook.
Tensions between the Armenian government and the Church escalated into an open confrontation last year as Pashinian first accused Garegin II of violating his vow of celibacy and later described him as a threat to national security, alleging he serves the interests of a foreign country, an apparent reference to Russia. The prime minister has not provided clear evidence for these claims.
Critics of Pashinian note that the campaign against the catholicos intensified after Garegin II accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and of destroying the region’s Armenian churches and occupying Armenian border areas during an international conference in Switzerland in May. They argue the Armenian government is thus seeking to appease Azerbaijan or weaken a prominent critic of its policies, allegations Armenian officials have dismissed.
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Pashinyan exploits public fear for political gain, ex-ombudsman says
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Could the war in Iran lay a path for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Addressing the European Parliament earlier this month, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that, with the Iranian conflict on its border, efforts would be stepped up to realise a trade route with Azerbaijan.
The United States-brokered TRIPP project, negotiated by United States President Donald Trump last August, is seen as key to reconciling the two countries, after decades of conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.
With both Armenia and Azerbaijan bordering Iran, the conflict is providing a powerful impetus for cooperation.
“This war in Iran has fostered much more of a localised regional identity where, despite the wars and the conflicts of the last several decades, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are actually banding together,” said Richard Giragosiyan, director of the Regional Studies Center, a think tank based in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.
“Now is the one opportunity for consolidating regional connectivity in terms of trade and transport.”
Life after ruin: Aghdam’s fragile rebirth after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
‘The Trump Road’
Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed the TRIPP agreement as part of a peace deal, committing to unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the exclave of Nakhchivan, via Armenian territory.
The new trade route is expected to become part of what is dubbed the “Middle Corridor”, linking energy-rich Central Asian countries to Europe via Turkey.
Tehran strongly opposes the initiative, as the corridor offers an alternative to transiting through Iran to Central Asia. However, the Iran war has further curtailed Tehran’s diminishing influence in the Caucasus.
“We also shouldn’t forget the benefits of the Iran war,” said Turkey analyst Atilla Yesilada of the New York-based Global Source Partners consultancy. “They [Ankara] want a weak Iran so that they can expand their footprint in the South Caucasus against Iran.”
Yesilada says the fallout from the Iran war underscores the importance of the TRIPP agreement – or, as it’s sometimes dubbed in Turkey, the “Trump Road” – which is key to Ankara’s economic goals.
“We get the Trump Road because nobody would want to traverse Iran under these conditions,” explains Yesilada, “And you get [a] not immediate but gradual, but permanent, development boost from trade and investment along that route.”
US takes lead in Caucasus peace deal as France is pushed aside
A new route for Europe
The Middle Corridor is seen as an opportunity for Europe to diversify in terms of energy supply from the volatile Middle East.
“The most obvious security lesson [from the Iran war] is diversity,” said Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at New York’s Columbia University.
“The real jewel is Turkmenistan’s gas, the third largest [supply] in terms of the world’s resources. I believe that there will be a lot of discussions about the middle corridor both in the region and in Europe.”
However, Mitrova remains cautious about the project’s viability, saying: “Economically it’s not attractive – too many risks and too low margins.”
The Caucasus is sandwiched between Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Iran conflict, raising questions over how secure any new energy route to Europe would be. These come alongside reservations over the viability of the billions of euros of investment needed, at a time when Europe is seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.
“The problem with the Brussels policy is they don’t want to invest in hydrocarbons, they don’t invest in gas,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations.
Frenchman convicted for spying in Azerbaijan, sentenced to ten years
Opportunity for peace
However, Shafiyev argues that, in addition to providing an alternative energy supply for Europe, there is an opportunity to build on the current momentum for peace.
“There is some hostility remaining… but overall, the feeling [is] we don’t want any new war and conflict in the South Caucasus. And indeed, [there is] a sort of window of opportunity to bring this alternative route, including for energy and gas.”
Interdependency in trade, and with it economic prosperity, is seen as key to strengthening the rapprochement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and their Turkish neighbours.
It’s a rapprochement that could also be vital to resisting any future threat from Russia, which is seeking to reassert itself in the region. However, such threats of renewed instability could also prove a major obstacle to any large-scale infrastructure investment by Europe.
Sports: Rangers line up Sunderland teen Finn Geragusian, FIFA rules open up ba
Mar 21 2026
Rangers line up Sunderland teen Finn Geragusian, FIFA rules open up bargain deal
Scott Mason
Rangers are interested in signing Sunderland teenager Finn Geragusian, with the Armenian forward’s scholarship contract paving the way for a bargain transfer.
The Gers face plenty of competition for the Black Cats’ youth talent as they seek to add to their forward options next summer.
Geragusian has yet to feature in a senior game at any level, but that is set to change ahead of the international break.
The Armenian has been called up for his national team, giving the Bears a chance to see how he fares at that level.
Ahead of Rangers’ summer transfer window, the signing of Geragusian could be secured for a nominal fee thanks to FIFA rules.
Rangers have had plenty of problems in the centre-forward department this season, and the arrival of a fresh striker would not be a surprise.
The arrival of Ryan Naderi has yet to bear its fruit, while Youssef Chermiti has been inconsistent for Rangers. Now, Geragusian could be an option for the Glasgow club in the summer.
| Statistic | Total |
| Appearances | 72 |
| Goals | 28 |
| Assists | 12 |
Finn Geragusian’s combined stats for Sunderland U18s and U21s
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Rangers are one of the numerous clubs interested in signing Geragusian.
The 18-year-old’s contract for the Mackems expires in the summer, and due to FIFA rules surrounding scholarship contracts, the Gers could pay as little as £173,770 to Sunderland.
Teams outside of England are not subject to the same scrutiny when it comes to transfer fees for academy talents in other English clubs’ ranks.
Who is Rangers target Finn Geragusian?
Geragusian is an 18-year-old Armenian forward who has recently received his first senior international call-up.
Born in Durham, England, he qualifies for Armenia through his grandfather.
The young prospect primarily plays down the middle for the Sunderland youth squads. However, he has been shown to be versatile.
Throughout his time in the Black Cats’ academy, he has also been deployed as a right midfielder and right winger.
At 18 years old, he is already a physical presence up front, coming in at 6’4″. The Gers would be signing a promising player, who has been a key player for Sunderland’s academy sides.
https://www.ibroxnews.com/2026/03/21/rangers-line-up-sunderland-teen-finn-geragusian-fifa-rules-open-up-bargain-deal/
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Armenia must rethink air defense to meet future threats, Israeli expert says
Armenia needs to develop a new national security concept capable of addressing emerging threats, according to Zvika Haimovich, former Israel Air Defense Forces Commander.
In an interview with Armenia TV on Friday, Haimovich described Armenia’s air defense capabilities as a “matter of life and death”, stressing that lessons from the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war must not be ignored.
He pointed to the vulnerability of Armenia’s airspace during the 44-day conflict, particularly to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which caused significant damage.
“The fact that the skies were not secured and that new threats, especially from drones, inflicted serious harm is undeniable,” he said. “Such risks cannot be overlooked. If you possess the knowledge, it must be used in service of the state and its interests.”
Haimovich argued that a more effectively structured defense system could have led to a different outcome in the war, which he described as “very dramatic”.
Now serving as a security adviser to the Strong Armenia party, he said his role is to help shape a modern strategic framework for the country.
“We are working to build a new concept and models that can withstand future challenges and threats,” he said. “Strength and peace are interconnected. Only a strong country can achieve peace.”
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Catholicos Karekin II barred from attending Georgian patriarch’s funeral
Armenian investigators have denied a request allowing Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to travel to Georgia to attend the funeral of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, his lawyer said on Saturday.
Attorney Ara Zohrabyan said he had submitted a motion seeking permission for the Catholicos to leave Armenia for several days to participate in the funeral ceremony and a divine liturgy scheduled for March 22, following an official invitation from the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The request was rejected by the investigator, Zohrabyan said, calling the decision “absolutely unlawful” and warning it could harm Armenia’s international reputation.
Ilia II, the long-serving head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, died on Tuesday aged 93.
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Lessons from Iran war: strategic takeaways for Armenia
Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan says the ongoing conflict involving Iran offers key strategic lessons for Armenia, arguing that wars should be studied for long-term implications rather than followed as daily news.
Material Advantage Not Decisive
Despite the United States and Israel holding overwhelming military and technological superiority, Geghamyan notes that such advantages have yielded only tactical gains, not a clear strategic victory. What may have been intended as a short operation has stretched for weeks, with Iran maintaining resistance and gradually shaping the course of events.
Asymmetric Strategy as Equalizer
According to Geghamyan, Iran’s approach relies on asymmetric tactics designed to maximize impact with limited resources. In the Strait of Hormuz, relatively low-cost tools, including drones, fast boats and short-range missiles, have disrupted stronger naval forces and affected global markets.
He argues that by widening pressure points, including targeting adversaries’ partners, Iran raises the cost of conflict and shifts the strategic balance.
Geography as Force Multiplier
Geghamyan emphasizes that Iran’s geographic position plays a central role in its strategy. Proximity to critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz allows Tehran to exert global influence even with constrained capabilities. He describes geography as a decisive, often underestimated advantage.
Geghamyan concludes that Iran’s experience highlights the importance of strategic planning, adaptability and effective use of national advantages, lessons he says are directly relevant for Armenia amid ongoing security challenges.
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Hayk Marutyan named PM candidate of New Force party
Former Yerevan mayor and actor Hayk Marutyan has been named the prime ministerial candidate of his newly formed New Force party ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections.
Speaking at a party gathering on Saturday, Marutyan criticized the political climate since 2021, citing “disasters, humiliations and violations of law” that he said were unimaginable in 2018. He urged voters to look to the future rather than dwell on past setbacks.
Marutyan accused the ruling Civil Contract party of serving Azerbaijan’s interests under the guise of promoting peace, while other forces, he said, relied on street protests without offering sustainable solutions. “We are not selling our children’s future,” he declared, rejecting criticism that his background as an actor disqualified him from politics.
Positioning his party as incorruptible and independent, Marutyan said New Force would advance Armenia’s interests by aligning more closely with Europe, which he described as the country’s “cradle” of freedom, human rights and Christianity.
“By choosing New Force, the people are choosing Armenia, whose roots are in Europe,” he said.
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Analyst slams travel ban on Armenian church leader
Political analyst Suren Surenyants has criticized a politically motivated decision preventing Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II from traveling abroad, calling it a “dangerous manifestation” for Armenian statehood.
The travel restriction barred the Armenian church leader from attending the funeral of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II despite an official invitation from Tbilisi. Surenyants argued that legal justifications in this case are unconvincing and warned against using the law as a tool for domestic political retribution.
In a social media post on Saturday, Surenyants warned the situation places Armenia in a “vulnerable and embarrassing” diplomatic position, undermining its ability to ensure representation at a significant event. He added that the absence of Armenia’s spiritual leader risks casting a shadow over Armenian-Georgian relations.
He concluded that the incident reflects a broader pattern of weakening state institutions, with consequences increasingly visible both domestically and internationally.
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