Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026

Conversations on Groong - April 4, 2026 In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Pietro Shakarian joins Hovik and Asbed to examine the Iran war, its impact on Russia, Ukraine, and the wider Eurasian balance, and what it means for Armenia’s security and foreign policy. The discussion also looks at Pashinyan’s strained Moscow visit, the uncertain future of TRIPP, Armenia-Russia tensions, and the fast-forming landscape of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, including the opposition field, campaign narratives, and the stakes for the country’s political future. Topics: - The Iran War and Its Global Impacts - Armenia-Russia Relations - Parliamentary Elections in Armenia Guest: Pietro Shakarian Timestamps: 00:00 Intro to show with Dr. Pietro Shakarian 00:42 Are the US, Israel & Iran locked into escalation or is there still a diplomatic offramp? 07:12 Could Mohammad Javad Zarif's plan bring about a diplomatic offramp? 11:40 How is the Iran War shifting Iran's gloal stature and the war in Ukraine? 14:01 Is the conflict over Ukraine "over" and pre-decided? 22:09 How is TRIPP affected by the Iran war? 29:59 Pashinyan in Moscow: state of relations between Armenia & Russia 34:02 Who is Pashinyan messaging with his "real Armenia" lapel pin in Moscow? 37:38 How is the TRIPP providing Armenia with security? 39:50 Parliamentary elections in Armenia - what's the mood of the population and disposition towards the ruling party? 44:40 Can there be reasonable expectations for free and fair elections under current conditions of repression? 50:38 How is the political opposition shaping up for the election in June? 55:02 Should National Security issues be a major topic during the election? 58:40 About Dr. Pietro A. Shakarian Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 529 | Recorded: April 3, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/529 #IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP