New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani criticized the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, calling them a “catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression.” The mayor’s statement about X came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced military action on Saturday.Mamdani said in his post: “Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. The Americans do not want that. They do not want another war seeking to change the regime.” “They want to alleviate the affordability crisis,” he added. “They want peace.”
Trump had announced in a video clip that the United States had begun “major combat operations” inside Iran, with the aim of encouraging regime change. The president urged Iranians to take control of their government once the strikes end.
Mamdani’s conviction came two days after he met with Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed issues including housing development in New York City and cooperation in confronting local challenges. Before the hearing, Mamdani said he had a “productive” conversation with the MAGA leader and looked forward to continuing to work together.The difference between that meeting and his criticism of the Iranian strikes shows how Mamdani had to balance working with the federal government and responding to his political supporters.
Mamdani’s comments on foreign policy have sometimes drawn backlash from Republicans. The New York City Mayor also urged Iranian New Yorkers affected by the conflict to remain calm and reassured. “You are part of the fabric of this city — you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders. You will be safe here,” he said in his statement.Hours before the mayor’s statement, the New York Police Department said it was enhancing patrols at sensitive sites, including diplomatic and cultural sites, in response to military developments abroad.
