News in Brief: Iran's Power in Numbers, Hormuz Rumors Denied, Europe as a Silent Player, Cost of War

Recent news summarized concisely:

• Financing for the science sector in Armenia has increased by approximately 180% since 2017, with the average salary for researchers tripling to 276,000 AMD.
• The National Assembly has opened another session to discuss the appointment of Vladimir Vardanyan as a candidate for the Constitutional Court.
• Iran continues to be one of the world's major oil producers, with about 208 billion barrels in reserves; however, sanctions limit export growth.
• Iran possesses one of the largest armies in the region, with a personnel count of around 610,000, although its military budget remains relatively small.
• Iran has conducted strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq and Saudi Arabia as part of its 77th wave of strikes.
• Tehran has called on Azerbaijan to condemn Israeli attacks in the Caspian Sea region.
• Iranian officials have threatened a harsh response to any potential U.S. strikes, stating it would lead to severe consequences.
• According to WSJ, Europe plays a key logistical role for the U.S. in the war against Iran by providing bases and support.
• Iran denies receiving $2 million from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling such reports baseless.
• The United States is considering the possibility of seizing Iran's Kharg Island and has already accelerated the deployment of thousands of troops to the region.
• As a result of U.S.-Israeli strikes, approximately 300 medical facilities have been damaged in Iran, some of which have ceased operations.
• A new bill under consideration in the U.S. Senate could disenfranchise up to 20 million Americans by tightening voting requirements.
• The price of Brent crude oil has recovered to approximately $103.78 per barrel.