TRIPP & U.S. Connectivity: Armenia and the U.S. pushed ahead on TRIPP implementation and an “AI factory” data center, as Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met U.S. peace-mission adviser Aryeh Lightstone and Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund head Konstantin Sokolov; separately, U.S. funding for the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund reportedly doubled to $402m, underlining Washington’s push to reshape South Caucasus transport links. Energy & Regulation: Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission extended Gazprom Armenia’s Hrazdan-5 thermal unit license until Aug 13, 2027. Banking & Payments: IDBank launched a new Mastercard World card with travel perks and a launch campaign, while Converse Bank expanded its Visa partnership to boost loyalty and customer solutions. Inflation & Costs: Gasoline prices rose 7.4% in July (y/y) and diesel 14.3%, while food-driven inflation pressures continued. Corporate & Legal Pressure: Authorities detained former Multi Group CEO Sedrak Arustamyan and director Artur Dallakyan in a fraud and money-laundering probe tied to alleged AMD 8.1bn; courts also moved on confiscations involving former Aragatsotn governor Sargis Sahakyan and a new criminal case was launched against Yerevan mayor adviser Kamo Areyan. Housing Fraud Warning: The Interior Ministry warned citizens about rising apartment rental scams on social media, urging deposits only after contract signing and in-person verification.