Armenia's Parliament Convenes; Regional Military Developments
The Region in Brief
Armenia's ninth National Assembly convened August 2 with 105 deputies representing three parties: Civil Contract (64), Strong Armenia Alliance (29), and Armenia Alliance (12). The opening session proceeded without an address from Catholicos Karekin II, who traditionally delivers remarks at parliamentary inaugurations. The Mother See stated the Catholicos was not given the opportunity to attend. Opposition deputies later visited Holy Etchmiadzin to receive his blessing, with lawmakers criticizing the exclusion. The Catholicos emphasized Armenia's need to address internal and external challenges through institutional cooperation, while expressing concern about political polarization and actions against the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Regionally, Azerbaijan confirmed acquisition of 40 JF-17C Block III fighter aircraft from Pakistan and China in a $4.2–4.6 billion deal, with deliveries beginning in 2024. Azerbaijan also deployed Chinese HQ-9BE air-defense systems in November 2025. Armenia and Iran meanwhile discussed strengthening their transport corridor as a regional trade route linking the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea.
