Iran is 'open' to talks on Strait of Hormuz, Iranian FM says - Middle East conflict on 15 March
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
Overhauling Armenia's economic structure and strengthening state institutions is a main focus as the Armenian government adopts a 42-page Doctrine of Economic and Institutional Transformation on Thursday (8 January), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced.
Pashinyan described the document as a “guide to development” and a statement of government intentions.
He stressed that Armenia’s strategies and strategic documents should be concise, focused, and integrated into the state administration system.
“Strategies are, first of all, a consolidation of actions and ideas. This document explains where we are now and where we want to go,” Pashinyan said.
The doctrine seeks to establish a new logic of economic and institutional development, positioning the economy as the foundation of Armenia’s sovereignty, security, and long-term stability.
Central to this vision is the role of the citizen, whom Pashinyan described as “educated, capable and creative.”
The doctrine also emphasises artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, energy transformation, and long-term fiscal planning, including discussions on a potential new tax code with a validity of up to 10 years.
Pashinyan linked the adoption of the doctrine to Armenia’s economic performance since the 2018 revolution, citing a more than 50% GDP growth and a 2.4-fold increase in GDP per capita despite the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges.
He highlighted the government’s role in removing economic barriers and monopolies, while crediting the Armenian workforce for driving these results.
The Prime Minister also noted that the doctrine reflects changing regional security dynamics, including the peace agreement with Azerbaijan, and aims to ensure predictable and stable economic policy regardless of changes in government.
In parallel with the doctrine, Armenia’s trade and energy situation is improving, according to Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan.

In 2025, 6,580 tons of grain entered Armenia via the railway through Azerbaijan, including 5,580 tons from Russia and 1,000 tons from Kazakhstan, alongside 1,210 tons of Azerbaijani gasoline.
As of 8 January 2026, 8,485 tons of Russian grain have entered Armenia, with 4,103 tons still in transit.
Oil products from Azerbaijan are also arriving, with 7,600 tons on the way, including 6,100 tons of petrol and 1,500 tons of diesel.
These developments have already contributed to a reduction in fuel prices, with petrol and diesel expected to be up to 80 AMD per litre cheaper than last month.
Papoyan said other oil companies are also responding by lowering prices, signalling broader relief for consumers.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian father, mother, and two of their children as they drove in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (15 March), Palestinian health authorities said, and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.
Kazakhstan is holding a nationwide referendum on a new draft Constitution on Sunday (15 March) that could significantly reshape the country’s political system. Polling stations have opened across the country, with nearly 12.5 million people eligible to take part.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign of ending on Sunday ( 15 March).
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
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