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.

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.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent congratulatory letters to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasion of Nowruz.

“I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of Iran on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. May this holiday, symbolizing new life and renewal, bring prosperity to the friendly people of Iran. I am confident that in the coming year, relations between our two friendly countries will continue to develop, based on sincerity, trust, and mutual respect. Taking this opportunity, I wish the friendly people of Iran everlasting peace,” Pashinyan said in the letter addressed to the Iranian Supreme Leader and published by his office. 

In a separate letter addressed to President Pezeshkian, the Armenian Prime Minister said: “On behalf of the people of the Republic of Armenia and on my own behalf, I warmly congratulate you and the brotherly people of Iran on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. May this holiday, heralding the beginning of spring, bring everlasting peace and prosperity to friendly Iran. I am confident that in the coming year, relations between our countries will continue to develop for the benefit of our two friendly peoples. Taking this opportunity, I wish you good health, and the people of our neighboring Iran—prosperity.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated the Kurdish community of Armenia on the occasion of Newroz.

“Dear representatives of the Kurdish community of the Republic of Armenia, I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of Newroz, the New Year,” the Armenian Prime Minister said in a statement published by his office.

“On this holiday symbolizing the spring’s renewal, I wish new achievements to all Kurds living in our country, who, as an important part of our society, bring a unique color to the nation’s public and cultural life. We take pride in the successes and accomplishments of our Kurdish citizens, while also recognizing the existing challenges that we must address through our creative efforts. Be assured that the state is attentive to and committed to supporting the development of national minority communities living in Armenia. Once again congratulating you on this beautiful holiday, I wish your families abundance and harmony, and your community the successful implementation of new development programs. Happy Newroz.”

The Armenian government plans to create a framework that will allow agricultural lands abandoned by their owners for decades to be leased to active farmers, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Saturday.

The initiative aims to bring neglected agricultural land into productive use while ensuring that landowners’ rights are protected.

During a meeting with locals in the town of Vardenis, Pashinyan explained that under the new law, any income generated from leasing these neglected lands will be placed in a designated account and transferred to the original owner if they come forward.

“You pay the rent for the land, we put that money in an account, and when the owner shows up and asks why their land is being used, we’ll say: seeing that you were not using it, by law we gave it to someone who is. And here is your rent money,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

The Armenian government plans to address the housing needs of military personnel on the waiting list within the next four years, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced.

“The decision is being finalized now, funding is being released, and within four years, all the houses will be provided,” the Prime Minister said during a meeting with residents of Martuni in Gegharkunik province.

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan added that the plan aims to resolve approximately 800 housing cases annually for personnel registered on the waiting list.

A one-year-old child who had been hospitalized in critical condition after allegedly being physically abused by his stepmother has died, Yerevan’s Arabkir Medical Center confirmed.

According to a statement from the hospital, the boy, aged one year and two months, was admitted on March 16 in a state of clinical death.

Doctors initially managed to restore his vital functions, but he remained in the intensive care unit in critical condition. Despite continued efforts by medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries on March 21.

The stepmother is in pre-trial detention amid an ongoing criminal investigation.

Prosecutors earlier said the suspect regularly physically abused the child between January 22 and March 10 this year, and ultimately attempted to murder the child on March 15 by beating him. 

In a move aimed at boosting cooperation and creating new opportunities, the Armenian city of Vagharshapat, commonly known as Etchmiadzin, and the Argentine city of Córdoba have become sister cities.

The twinning was formalized under a memorandum of cooperation inked by Vagharshapat Mayor Argishti Mekhakyan and Córdoba’s Mayor Daniel Passerini. The signing took place during Mayor Mekhakyan’s visit to Córdoba.

Vagharshapat City Hall said in a statement: “This important step aims to develop bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, education, economy, and local governance, creating new opportunities for both communities. This new phase of cooperation represents another significant achievement in expanding the international relations of the Vagharshapat community.”

The Honorary Consul of Armenia to Córdoba, Juan Carlos Merdinian, also attended the meeting where the two cities were twinned.

A new housing program will be launched for socially vulnerable families with five or more children, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Saturday during a trip to Gegharkunik province.

“The key point is that we will offer them land plots in settlements where a new school has been built and there is available capacity for students,” he said during a meeting with locals in Martuni.

“The challenge is that, respectfully, we cannot provide homes in downtown Yerevan or central Martuni for everyone who wants a house. Therefore, in settlements with new schools and space for students, we will implement a program similar to the 16 million AMD initiative — funds will be provided, and land plots will also be allocated, so they can go and build their homes,” the Prime Minister explained.

Actor and former mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan, will be the New Power party’s candidate for prime minister in the 2026 elections.

The New Power party, founded and led by Marutyan—who served as mayor of Yerevan from 2018 until his ousting in 2021—announced its bid for parliament on Saturday.

“We are running [for office] in this year’s elections,” Marutyan said at an event. “Our party is incorruptible, unconstrained, and free, and if the people make their decision and we assume that responsibility, we are ready to serve our people and Armenia with full dedication.”

During the event, the party’s pre-election program was also presented, outlining reforms in the economy, social welfare, education, and several other sectors. The party also emphasizes that Armenia’s development is only possible by building a state based on European standards.

“Armenia’s membership in the European Union has no alternative; Armenia must begin negotiations on EU accession as soon as possible,” said party member Grigor Yeritsyan.