Fake News Alert: Armenian PM’s Office Denies Phone Call with Trump About Iranian Airfields

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office has forcefully denied reports of a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Armenian airfields in relation to Iran, labeling the claims as deliberate disinformation.

The fabricated story began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) when multiple accounts shared what appeared to be a screenshot of a Trump post on Truth Social. The doctored image suggested Trump had spoken with Pashinyan about securing permission to use Armenian airfields, presumably in connection with rising tensions between the United States and Iran.

“I would like to clarify that no such phone conversation took place,” stated the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. “There was no discussion of this nature between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and U.S. President Donald Trump. The information being circulated is false and does not correspond to reality.”

Officials from Pashinyan’s office characterized the incident as bearing hallmarks of “foreign information manipulation and interference” (FIMI). The coordinated nature of the disinformation campaign was evident in how multiple accounts on X platform simultaneously amplified the false claim using nearly identical wording.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical complexity in the South Caucasus region. Armenia, which shares a border with Iran, has maintained diplomatic relations with Tehran while also seeking closer ties with Western nations in recent years. Any suggestion of Armenia allowing its territory to be used for potential military operations against Iran would represent a dramatic shift in regional dynamics.

The timing of this disinformation is particularly sensitive given ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, which have escalated following recent developments in the Middle East. Armenia, positioned between Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, must carefully navigate complex regional relationships to maintain its sovereignty and security.

Security experts note that such fabricated stories are designed to sow confusion and potentially damage Armenia’s diplomatic relations. Dr. Armen Grigoryan, a regional security analyst, explained, “False narratives about military cooperation can create real diplomatic problems. Armenia has been working to balance its relationships with all regional powers, and disinformation like this threatens that delicate balance.”

Armenian officials have been increasingly vocal about the threat of targeted disinformation campaigns. Prior to this incident, Pashinyan’s press secretary had already issued warnings about intensified disinformation efforts targeting the country. These campaigns often exploit regional tensions and Armenia’s vulnerable position in the South Caucasus.

The Prime Minister’s office urged media outlets, public figures, and social media users to exercise caution before sharing unverified information, particularly when it relates to matters of national security and foreign policy. “Spreading such unverified claims can have serious consequences for Armenia’s national interests and regional stability,” the spokesperson emphasized.

Digital forensics experts who examined the fabricated Truth Social post noted several inconsistencies that clearly identified it as fake, including formatting errors that don’t match Trump’s authentic posts on the platform.

This incident highlights the growing challenge governments face in combating sophisticated disinformation campaigns in the digital age. As social media platforms continue to serve as primary information sources for many citizens, the rapid spread of false information presents serious national security concerns.

Armenian authorities have indicated they are monitoring the situation and investigating the source of the disinformation campaign, though they have not yet publicly identified who might be behind the effort.