March: 22, 2026
The guest of Satik Seyranyan in the “Classes” program Arman Tatoyan is the head of the “Wings of Unity” political initiative, candidate for the Prime Minister of Armenia, former human rights defender of Armenia.:
The main theses of the interview are below.
- It is just nonsense when the person who brought 3 wars, 3 defeats and 1 new genocide, the leader and responsible of the political force threatens his own people with war. Aliyev’s henchman, who wants to hold a referendum in Aliyev’s honor and change the Constitution, makes him the main factor in Armenia’s internal elections. He says that if you don’t elect me suddenly, they will make me a “padderzhka” from Azerbaijan, they will attack Armenia. And that person wants to prevent the person who is ruled by the interests of Armenia from becoming the leader of Armenia… Gather your hearts and paws and get ready to become the former.
- The world is not so limited, people, don’t be afraid, all the solutions are there. Armenia is led by a man who is ready for the most vile steps and sells fears. There is a chance to solve the occupation issues… What kind of peace are they talking about, are they bringing the war closer?
- There hasn’t been a year since 2020 where we haven’t lost territory, but it’s all kept under wraps. At the expense of deception, they advance the fake peace they preach…
- I want to say again that our people should not be disappointed. There’s no problem we can’t solve together. Look at what he is doing, he wants to bring the one who wants to destroy us, to create a factor in our country…
- Pashinyan himself definitely has Azerbaijani support, and it is obvious. Azerbaijan has its own candidate in these elections. They don’t even hide it. He says: if you don’t elect me, CP, there will be a war… In other words, you bring a boy over your state, and you also bring the person who wants to destroy your state.
- It is very important that our people definitely participate in the elections so that we get out of this vicious cycle. Now they are doing everything to make our people disgusted, disappointed, not to go to the elections, so that people have the mentality that everything is decided, let’s go to the elections, what should we do… No, we have to go to the elections, and in that case the chances of his re-election decrease significantly… Our hope, our strength, our faith are our citizens, the vote of every citizen.
- Nikol Pashinyan and his government have the biggest fears related to these elections, and they fear the people.
- In fact, it is our people who solve the issue. No outside force can decide anything here. They have memorized words, they are talking about hybrid war, this is the man, that is the man, so that people don’t go to the elections. They are horrified by the idea that our people can stand up and go to the elections. Whoever wants to be, who are you to come and decide the issues of our governance in our country?
- 2025 since november we have been doing research all the time. When we noticed changes in our area, we obtained open-source satellite images from French and Chinese satellites. Moreover, Google makes its maps based on satellite photos.
I know them, Pashinyan and CP members, well, I know what they are capable of in order to cover up their mistakes. That’s why we thoroughly and cross-checked those photos before publishing them. We recorded the construction of a new Azerbaijani position in the territory of our country and the strengthening of the positions already located in our territory. They built it in such a way that they directly targeted our security system. They built mortar infantry bases in Jermuk, they also installed solar panels in our area… And now this government, which has eroded and destroyed our security system, brought this global security issue raised by us. leveled a position. Meanwhile, as a result of the construction of that position, the road our soldiers are taking is in danger… And instead of revealing it themselves, they clean up Azerbaijan, they say it’s a lie. If Azerbaijan is preparing for peace, why is it making new fortifications, building new positions, even before the documents to be signed in Washington on August 8…
- Our people understand everything very well. Our servicemen are doing heroic service in Vardenis, the people who live there are heroes. Don’t suddenly try to impose on them.
- If there is no security, there will be no sovereignty, independence, economy, nothing will develop… Do you remember that they were building a factory in Yeraskh, what happened? They fired several times from Azerbaijan, they had to move that factory to another area…
To remind: these authorities still in 2023. in May-June, they published photos and videos announcing that a large Armenian-American metallurgical plant with an investment of 70 million USD is being built in Yeraskh. Former Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan announced that the workshop is a building with a height of 30 m and an area of 16,500 square meters, where 180,000 tons of products will be produced annually. “200 people are already working, after launch, 1000 will work,” wrote Kerobyan. Already in December, they had to move the Armenian-American metal smelting factory, on which the American flag was also installed, to the village of Ararat. The decision was taken at the government meeting, because for months the factory being built in the border village of Yeraskh was targeted by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, the works of the factory were paralyzed for a long time. Moreover, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Azerbaijan announced that this project affects the environmental security of the region and can pollute the waters of Arax. A few days after that announcement, Azerbaijan started shooting at the factory, as a result of which two foreigners working on the construction of the factory were wounded. Diplomats accredited in Armenia even visited the construction site to see what happened on the spot. Back then, the people of Yerakht were telling that the factory was targeted by the enemy from the very first days of the construction.
“When a person was inside, there was a shot. there were people in the area, they were hitting, there was equipment, they were hitting,” they told the journalists.
In the hope of restraining Azerbaijan, an American flag was also placed on the territory of the factory, emphasizing the presence of American capital there, but that did not help either. Regular targeting of construction worksm:inthe, eventually led to the cessation of work.
- See in the video and photos: 2025. as of July 31, that position does not exist, in the photos of August 19, the Azerbaijani position is already fully equipped. They are talking about what happened in such a way that: podumaesh, it’s another 70 meters, it’s not a big deal… But isn’t this an obligation to take the scissors and cut it? Minister of Defense, aren’t you ashamed, you say it’s a lie? You are the Minister of Defense, either you do not understand the situation, or you will answer to all of us: why did you allow the invasions and hide them from the people?
Their hope is that we will talk and forget about it. It won’t be like that. Our boys fought and shed blood for every meter. You cannot separate security from a person, because apart from him, even that one meter is the Motherland, they are the grasslands, the pastures of our citizens… Azerbaijanis brought, built their positions 6 km away from our villages. Instead of telling Azerbaijan what are you doing, they say, well, they are low, they are not visible…
As a result of Nikol Pashinyan being Aliyev’s henchman, our soldiers are under direct Azerbaijani danger due to the position they have built in our territory. If you are the head of the country, don’t you stop and say: Azerbaijan, how are you bringing it, endangering the lives of my soldiers, building a position under my nose?
- Until 2025 On July 31, there was no road between two Azerbaijani positions in our territory, on August 15 there was already. They improve their communications.
- Azerbaijan shows by its actions that it is not going to leave our territory, and it is a lie that they will leave our occupied territories with the demarcation commission.
- Azerbaijan’s military budget for 2024-25 significantly raised. Question: Under these conditions, is this country, with such policies and such rhetoric, preparing for peace? Of course not.
- Azerbaijanis have built special hiding places in our area, which are called kapaniers. They can be used for various purposes: to store tanks, vehicles, personnel, large-caliber weapons and use them if necessary. Azerbaijan, which is preparing for long-term peace with Armenia, is building such hideouts in our territory…
To remind, in response to the facts presented by Arman Tatoyan, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense released a video, in which it was said:
“The connection of Google Earth space photos with reality has deviations, and the above boundary line has no legal basis. The RA Armed Forces General Directorate is guided by topographical maps of the USSR of 1975, which have legal force and were approved by the head of the Transcaucasus territorial inspection of the State Geodetic Control.
The position of Azerbaijan does not cross the state border and is located in the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
There are concerns that the said location may pose a threat to the Sotk mine, Kut settlement and surrounding areas. It should be noted that the distance from the mentioned location to the Sotki mine is about 4 km, and the distance to the Kut settlement is 6.4 km. Furthermore, there is no visibility between the settlement of Kut and the indicated position because of the presence of Mount Qatar.”
Suren Papikyan evaded, putting the burden of answering on the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, in the event that at least he or the head of the General Staff should have given an answer.
- As soon as you speak with facts, this government immediately falls into hysteria, gets angry, starts insulting… because it has nothing to say, the lie is exposed.
- What 1975! map. They tell you they have come, under the noses of your people, they are making fortifications in your territory, building a road, setting up positions, you say a map of 1975. Is this the behavior of the head of the country?
- We should not forget that Vardenis is one of the most important strategic communities, and in Azerbaijan, even by a decree, it was forbidden to call Vardenis by its Armenian name, but exclusively by the Azerbaijani name Basargechar.
- Azerbaijan is waiting for a suitable geopolitical situation, so that if necessary, they can resort to concrete actions. This power of war, the power of negative identity is
- Due to the Azerbaijani invasion, agriculture is disrupted, the economy, animal husbandry is paralyzed. 2021 people were forced to mass slaughter animals in different places because they could not use their grasslands.
- I will not allow the issues of the occupation of Armenia to be left out of attention. I will do my best to keep them on international agendas, because these issues are not on any agenda today.
- Azerbaijan gives you 2 canisters of gasoline and cleans up with your hands in front of the international community. Then, when Azerbaijan continues its aggressive policy, and you go and protest, they will say: what do you want from that humanist state…
The Artsakh scenario is repeating itself. We need to understand the depth of Azerbaijani politics. It is an impression that we are a savage nation, and Azerbaijanis are peace-loving. You go, you clear yourself before the world, but you forget the crimes he committed: ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, genocidal activities, occupation of Armenian territories, missing servicemen, prisoners on international agendas… And all this for 2 canisters of gasoline, 2 buckets of wheat.
These waste American mediation. Instead of working with America, they make it so that America forces Azerbaijan to ratify the Convention on Persons Displaced by Violence, so that we can advance the issues of our missing persons.…
- We propose the full and specific strengthening of our army and we have a sequence of concrete steps for this.
- As soon as this government hears the word “Artsakh”, it begins to scare the people with war, and this is the person who said: “Artsakh is Armenia, and that’s it.”
- Artsakh is part of my Armenian identity. The right of Artsakh citizens has two components: a dignified life in Armenia, and a dignified and safe return of Artsakh citizens. We will immediately cancel the decision by which Artsakh residents with passport code 007 were considered non-Armenian citizens. I did not invent the right of return, it is an international obligation. There is a decision of the UN Court of Justice, according to which Azerbaijan is obliged to ensure the dignified return of Artsakh citizens. This was also announced by the US State Department, Switzerland and Canada. It would be wrong to say that the return tomorrow is realistic, but this should be one of the important directions of our policy. You have to work. return is possible. And it is not a provocation, it is a right.
- The topic of “Western Azerbaijan” is a topic nurtured and cultivated by the political authorities of Armenia, with which they frighten our society. Azerbaijan will not abandon that plan, which has no international basis, but their way to come here is closed by all international channels.
- I directly say to the President of Azerbaijan, are you so sure that we are criminals, find a country, find a form, let’s go to the International Criminal Court, you file a case against us, we will file a case against you, let’s see who will win.
- For me, the peace treaty is TRIPP, because firstly, Azerbaijan will not sign the signed peace treaty, and Aliyev has declared that there is no international law for him. Therefore, if there is no such right, what kind of contract is it? The mediating mission of a country like the USA is extremely important here, and you just have to be able to use it to your advantage, not waste it.
- The interest of Armenia should be at the center of foreign policy, we should act not against someone, but for Armenia.
- There is a red line for us. Armenia’s sovereignty and independence are not subject to negotiation. Armenian customs officers and border guards should be standing at our checkpoints:
- Nikol Pashinyan feeds like a vampire on the mistakes of the retired presidents. There have been problems, but there have also been many achievements. This government came by generating hatred for those mistakes of the government. If the former presidents want Nikol Pashinyan not to be re-elected, they should not strengthen Pashinyan, they should not participate in the elections. Most of the citizens vote for Nikol Pashinyan so that the previous ones do not come back, not because they believe in Pashinyan. It is Nikol Pashinyan’s dream that any of the former presidents enter the election campaign.
- I am proud of every minute of my biography and I walk with an open front. I have never been a party member, I have done professional work, which allowed me to understand the state and management system very well from the inside. The fact that I aspire to become the prime minister is because I have experience working in the administration system and know the problems from the inside:
- When the 2nd president announces his participation in the elections, he presents a great gift to Nikol Pashinyan. I’m sure he was happy to know that. It helps him stay in power and become a dictator.
- People are tired. These elections are not ordinary, they are historic elections about the future of our country. People don’t want to see a mess, they want Nikol Pashinyan to leave, this disaster to stop…
- Now I say, “Aren’t you a man? Come and talk to me.” You say that he will lie and argue… what debate with a liar… It’s okay, let him argue… Let him argue… I am a patient person, I have been patient with many quarrelers and liars, I will be patient with him too, let him come to a substantive debate with me, definitely, I am ready right now.
- It hurts me that we give Nikol Pashinyan an opportunity to put a stigma on the former presidents, those presidents who have great merit in the establishment of our state. We won a war under the first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the economy developed under the 2nd president Robert Kocharyan, we entered the EAEU and signed the CEPA under the 3rd president Serzh Sargsyan, which is an important document, but every leader has his time.
- I didn’t get into this process to put a cap and get out. I’m after a specific result. We do not aim to establish ourselves at the expense of anyone, but we will not allow them to establish themselves at our expense either. This is a state, we are facing ontological problems. We have to understand what kept these authorities on the horse, what makes them stronger, so as not to allow their reproduction to be repeated.
Details in the video.
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RFE/RL – Ombudsperson Urges Restraint After Pashinian’s Argument With Displace
Armenia’s human rights ombudsperson has called on officials to exercise restraint in public discourse after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian had a heated exchange with a woman displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh during a campaign event on Sunday.
The incident took place as Pashinian, accompanied by bodyguards and political allies, rode the metro in Yerevan as part of his weekly pre-election outreach. He engaged in a conversation with a young woman traveling with her son, both among more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians who fled to Armenia in 2023 following Azerbaijan’s military recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conversation escalated into an argument after the woman refused to accept a pin badge offered by Pashinian depicting Armenia without Nagorno-Karabakh. The refusal drew an angry response from the prime minister, who has repeatedly stated that the movement for the region’s self-determination, which began in 1988, has ended and that Armenians should no longer consider returning to homes in what is now an Azerbaijani-administered region.
At one point, Pashinian raised his voice, calling Karabakh Armenians “runaways” and saying that they should not accuse him of “giving away” the region.
The dispute comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June, in which Pashinian and his ruling Civil Contract party are seeking reelection on a platform that includes making peace in the region “irreversible.”
More than 200 Karabakh Armenian servicemen were killed and hundreds more wounded during brief hostilities with Azerbaijan on September 19-20, 2023 which ended with the de facto leadership of the region agreeing to disband its unrecognized government. At least 218 Karabakh Armenians were killed and 120 injured in a fuel depot explosion near Stepanakert amid a mass exodus that followed.
The Armenian government, also drawing on international funding, has allocated tens of millions of dollars in aid to displaced Karabakh Armenians, including temporary housing, monthly allowances, and subsidized housing programs. However, many have described the assistance as insufficient.
After Pashinian’s remarks, which sounded disparaging toward Karabakh Armenians, Ombudswoman Anahit Manasian urged officials and public figures to show sensitivity when addressing issues affecting displaced persons and refugees.
“Communication with forcibly displaced persons and refugees, as well as discussions concerning their rights, must be conducted with appropriate restraint, taking into account the vulnerability of these groups,” Manasian said, adding that such an approach is required by international legal standards.
Noting that “political rhetoric often intensifies during election periods, sometimes resulting in insensitive attitudes toward vulnerable groups,” she called on officials and society to ensure public discourse fosters “solidarity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.”
Pashinian’s political opponents also criticized his remarks, describing his tone toward the woman as inappropriate.
Later, while still on the campaign trail, when asked by a reporter about his “runaways” remark regarding Karabakh Armenians, Pashinian said he did not recall making such a statement but added that he would apologize if he had made it.
The prime minister subsequently offered a direct apology to the woman, her son, and to “everyone,” acknowledging that some of his remarks were inappropriate and resulted from “heightened emotion.”
“From certain comments and criticisms by our colleagues, I understood that not everything in what I said was as perhaps it should have been. I apologize to you and your son for those emotions, and I hope that we will have a chance to meet in the metro or somewhere else and talk calmly,” Pashinian said. “I apologize again and admit that some of what I said wasn’t said properly, with the proper gesturing, tone and facial _expression_, and in some of it I didn’t treat the content correctly, but this topic is still one of the most emotional topics for me, and I apologize to everyone.”
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Armenian Union Party calls for brotherhood, coexistence
The Armenian Union Party condemned attacks on national, ethnic, and cultural symbols and beliefs, and called on all Syrians to exercise patience, apply reason, and uphold the spirit of brotherhood and coexistence that has long characterized the nation’s social fabric.
In a statement issued today, the Armenian Union Party emphasized the need to respect Syria’s national and ethnic symbols, stating:
“In light of recent events accompanying the Newroz celebrations, the Armenian Union Party reaffirms its firm stance on the necessity of preserving civil peace and avoiding any actions that could incite strife or destabilize society.
Respect for national, ethnic, and cultural symbols and beliefs is the duty of every individual. Any offense against them, including lowering the Syrian flag, constitutes an individual act that is unacceptable and does not represent the positions or orientations of national components. We also note that certain parties seek to exploit such incidents to drag Syria into internal conflicts that serve only the enemies of the homeland.
The Armenian Union Party condemns any attacks on national, ethnic, and cultural symbols and beliefs, and calls on all Syrians to exercise patience, apply reason, and uphold the spirit of brotherhood and coexistence that has always distinguished our national fabric.
This stage requires the highest levels of awareness and responsibility from everyone, to preserve Syria’s unity, security, and stability.”
A-H
https://hawarnews.com/en/armenian-union-party-calls-for-brotherhood-coexistence
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Armenian Patriarchate Debunks Rumors: Church of the Holy Sepulchre Rites Conti
Jerusalem, March 23, 2026 – The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued an official communiqué debunking widespread online rumors claiming the complete closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the cessation of all sacred rites, including those at the Tomb of Christ.
In a statement dated March 22, 2026, the Patriarchate emphasized that all Divine Liturgies, processions, and other assigned services under the historic Status Quo agreement have continued without interruption since the onset of the current regional conflict. The only adjustments involve certain Lenten observances, which have been performed with a limited group of monks and without full public solemnity due to ongoing security concerns from the war.
The communiqué addresses “false rumors circulating online” about a total shutdown, clarifying that while the church has been closed to the general public since late February amid escalated hostilities—including missile threats and debris impacts near holy sites—the Armenian community’s specific liturgical rights have proceeded as assigned.
Church leaders from the three main custodians (Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic/Franciscan) remain in close contact with each other and relevant authorities to finalize arrangements for Holy Week, which begins March 29. No definitive schedule has been set yet due to the fluid security situation, but updates will be shared promptly once confirmed.
The Patriarchate reaffirmed its unbroken Christian presence in the Holy Land since the 4th century and called for peace amid the challenges afflicting the region.
This statement comes as broader reports confirm the church’s public closure—ordered by Israeli authorities for safety reasons following attacks involving Iran—has disrupted typical pilgrim access and large gatherings during Lent. Some sources describe the situation as unprecedented in recent history, with negotiations underway for limited clergy-only services during Easter observances, similar to COVID-era restrictions.
The Armenian Patriarchate’s release serves as a direct counter to misinformation exaggerating the impact on Armenian rites specifically, while acknowledging the broader war-related disruptions affecting the shared holy site. Prayers for tranquility in the Holy Land were reiterated in the communiqué.
https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/03/23/armenian-patriarchate-debunks-holy-sepulchre-closure-rumors-2026/
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Armenian President arrives in Tbilisi for Ilia II funeral
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Verelq: 10 proposals of “Mother Armenia”.
“Mother Armenia” party will participate in the National Assembly elections to be held on June 7 with the “Offer to Armenia” program. Our proposals will enrich the program, which has been developed so far by the professional team of “Proposal Armenia” and the political forces, leading experts in the field, who have joined the program.
Our suggestions are ten. They include RA internal and external policy, economy, business, social sphere, administration of the capital, development of marzes and mega-projects.
We’ll be featuring those 10 point openings regularly.
1. Guaranteed peace
2. Balanced diplomacy
3. Economic growth. GDP in 2031 should be at least 75 billion dollars
4. Tax haven for all strata of business
5. Decent pension
6. Affordable and quality education
7. Exclusion of loan sharking and bank racketeering
8. A healthy soul in a healthy body
9. Yerevan: a smart and accessible capital
10. Mega projects for Armenia
PS: The attached video presents the complete package of “Mother Armenia” proposals.
Chairman of “Mother Armenia” party Andranik Tevanyan
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Verelq: Iranian lessons for Armenia
What is the point of following the ongoing war in Iran if no consequences will be drawn from it?
And it is possible to learn very useful lessons from the Iranian cases, if we follow the events not as a simple news, but pay attention to the strategic course of what is happening.
From that point of view, at least three conclusions can be clearly marked at this moment, which are very relevant for us, also in the context of the campaign of defeat unfolding among us right now.
1️⃣ FIRST CLASS
In war, not everything is determined by material advantage. The US and Israel openly and many times exceed Iran in their military and technical capabilities, which ensures the latter’s tactical success. However, tactical successes do not necessarily imply strategic victory. The US-Israeli military operation, which was most likely intended to be completed in a few days (similar to the first version of the Russian СВО), has been going on for more than three weeks without a clear winning strategy. Competent Iranian resistance (see the next point), as well as a strategic approach to the outcome of the war, allow Tehran to compensate for the military-technical imbalance and, despite the many losses suffered, not only to continue the resistance, but also to gradually dictate the new course of the war imposed on it.
2nd CLASS
At the core of the Iranian resistance lies a clear strategic approach, which has not changed significantly, despite the many losses of the military-political elite in recent weeks. That resistance is based, among other things, on an asymmetric (non-proportional) operational concept, which involves inflicting maximum damage on the enemy by clearly targeting and using available resources.
A vivid example of this can be seen these days in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States, which has the world’s most powerful navy, and its allies are being dealt the greatest strategic damage by cheap Iranian drones, fast motorboats, naval bombs and short-range missiles, which are dictating the new rules of the game in the Strait of Hormuz. It is enough to disrupt the world economy and give Iran the most powerful negotiating tool, which even led to the partial lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil.
The concept of disproportionality has other manifestations as well (eg, hitting US allies, effectively increasing the scope of the conflict and thus the cost of continuing the war). In other words, Iran does not play the game imposed on it (in which it would lose), but gradually imposes its own game on others. And at the base of this new game lies an absolute advantage, which is often overlooked by many. It is ignored, but not in Iran, which is the third class.
3️⃣-TH LESSON
When Napoleon tried to quickly conquer Russia in the early 19th century, he took many things into account, except for one thing: the weather. After the defeat of Napoleon and other Western armies on Russian soil, it is often said about “General Cold” (General Moroz) (referring to the extremely cold winter of the Russian world and the impossibility of fighting in them), which as an invisible force helped the Russian side to win.
If we apply this artistic analogy to Iran, we can say that Iran has its shoulderless general. it is “General Geography”. The Iranian strategy is based on the full understanding of the geography of that state and its wise use. Figuratively speaking, the Strait of Hormuz and the Arab countries are in Iran’s backyard, so it is possible to put pressure on them, even having a “slingshot” (ragatka) – minimal tools (weapons) in one’s own arsenal. This calculation is the basis of the Iranian strategy. even if all of Iran’s long-range missiles are gone, there is still a small boat that will create world-class problems in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing everyone to consider the Iranian factor.
Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan
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Armenpress: Trump says he is considering ‘winding down’ Iran war
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is considering “winding down” the Iran war because the U.S. is “getting very close” to meeting its objectives.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others,” Trump said on Truth Social.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said it “will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it – The United States does not!”
“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them,” he said.
On Friday afternoon in Washington, Trump told reporters from outside the White House as he prepared to embark for Florida: “I don’t want to do a ceasefire.
“You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”
The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posed a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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IAEA chief urges military restraint after reported strike at Iran’s nuclear si
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Saturday that Iran reported an attack on its Natanz nuclear site, but no off-site radiation increase was detected.
“The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. IAEA is looking into the report. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident,” the IAEA said in a statement on X.
The Iranian authorities earlier said that the Natanz nuclear facility was hit in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike Saturday but there has been no radiation leakage.
The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posed a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Ombudsperson extends Newroz greetings to Armenia’s Kurdish community
The Armenian Human Rights Defender (Ombudsperson), Anahit Manasyan, has released a statement addressed to the Kurdish community of Armenia on the occasion of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year.
“Dear representatives of the Kurdish community in Armenia,
I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year.
May this beautiful holiday, which symbolizes spring, rebirth and the beginning of a new life, bring peace, health and prosperity to your families.
May this holiday and its significance contribute to the strengthening of solidarity, diversity and mutual respect in our society.
I attach importance to ensuring the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, including Kurds living in Armenia, to preserve their national and ethnic identity as well as the traditions, religion, language and culture.
I have repeatedly emphasized that the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities is one of the priority areas of my activity.
In this context, I particularly emphasize the importance of joining all our efforts to strengthen respect for diversity, ensure inclusiveness and create a fully equal environment.
Happy Newroz,” Manasyan said in the statement published by her office.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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