Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded to the Iranian Ambassador's concerns about Yerevan's possible anti-Iranian bias. He stated that the Armenian government will take all necessary steps to address any concerns Tehran may have. Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia will consistently work to maintain friendly relations with Iran and allay any concerns.

Over the past three days, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has denied reports of health problems three times. He called the circulated information "fake news" and stated that he does not require hospitalization or medical attention.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan justified the payment of large New Year bonuses to officials by citing the need to improve government efficiency and the attractiveness of public service. He stated that this is part of the government's anti-corruption strategy.

A criminal case has begun in a Baku court against Novruz Taghiyev, an activist with the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), accused of fraud and document forgery. Taghiyev is also known as a pro bono security guard for PFPA leader Ali Karimli.