Show Notes

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.

Main Topics Addressed

Trump’s Middle East diplomacy and Iran-Israel tensions
Abraham Accords and Armenia’s rumored inclusion
Russia’s war in Ukraine and its strategic effects
Armenia-Azerbaijan “peace talks” and rising unilateral demands
Lavrov’s visit and Russia’s recalibrated South Caucasus role
Domestic political alignment ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections
ANC’s plans for a new political coalition

Key Questions Discussed

Can renewed US-Iran talks stabilize the region, or are they a prelude to war?
How serious is Armenia’s possible inclusion in the Abraham Accords?
What are the likely outcomes of the war in Ukraine, and how will they affect Armenia?
Are the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks legitimate negotiations or coercive ultimatums?
Is Russia reasserting influence in the South Caucasus, and at what cost to Armenian sovereignty?
Will Pashinyan try to align the 2026 elections with a constitutional referendum?
Can a new opposition force emerge to challenge Pashinyan and Kocharyan?
Does the ANC foresee any alliance with the Republican Party (RPA)?

Other Resources

Wrap-up

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Levon Zourabian

Levon Zourabian is the Vice-President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) party of Armenia, which is led by the first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan who was in office from 1991-1998. He worked in the presidential administration as Aide and Chief Spokesman to the President. In 1998-2000 Mr. Zourabian studied at Columbia University and has a Master of International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs. From 2012-2017 Mr. Zourabian led the parliamentary faction of the ANC in the National Assembly of Armenia. Trained and having researched as theoretical physicist in Yerevan Physics Institute, he also makes appearances as Tech Advocate for the ANC.

Asbed Bedrossian

Asbed is founder of the Armenian News Network Groong and co-founder of the ANN/Groong podcast.

Hovik Manucharyan

Hovik Manucharyan is an information security engineer who moved from Seattle to Armenia in 2022. He co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020 and has been a contributor to Groong News since the late 1990s.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Hovik Manucharyan on the ANN/Groong podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his employer or any other organization.

Levon Zourabian - US-Iran, Russia-Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan, 2026 Campaigns | Ep 439, May 26, 2025 [EP439]

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