NYC Mayor Condemns U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran, Sparks Backlash

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives after denouncing the U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran as an “illegal war of aggression.”

Mamdani took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, calling the strikes on Tehran “a catastrophic escalation,” criticizing the bombing of cities, civilian casualties, and the opening of “a new theater of war.” The joint operation, named Operation Epic Fury, targeted the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other strategic sites following weeks of failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

The mayor also addressed Iranian Americans in New York, describing them as “part of the fabric of this city” and assuring their safety amidst tensions.

Conservative leaders and public figures responded swiftly. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz accused Mamdani of sympathizing with Iran’s regime, while journalist Masih Alinejad criticized the mayor for remaining silent during past Iranian regime crackdowns that killed thousands of protesters.

President Trump and Israeli officials confirmed that the strikes successfully eliminated Khamenei, described by analysts as the Middle East’s longest-serving autocrat. The operation follows months of U.S. military buildup in the Gulf, including the deployment of two aircraft carriers and thousands of troops.

The mayor’s comments come shortly after a meeting with President Trump in Washington, where the two posed for a photo at the White House amid efforts to address New York City’s housing crisis.

Mamdani has faced prior controversy, with past accusations of antisemitism and sympathy for groups linked to terrorism, which critics have cited in response to his Iran remarks.

Fox News, New York Post, and other outlets continue to follow the story as international and domestic reactions unfold.