Backlash intensified after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the U.S.-Israel strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Conservatives sharply criticized the mayor’s statement as tensions escalated following confirmation of the targeted strike in Tehran.
As the joint military operation unfolded, Mamdani posted on X: “Today’s military strikes on Iran — carried out by the United States and Israel — mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression.” He added, “Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change.”
Mamdani also addressed Iranian residents in New York City, stating, “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.” The post drew roughly 20 million views.
Critics responded swiftly. Sen. Ted Cruz wrote, “Comrade Mayor is rooting for the Ayatollah. They can chant together.” Fox News host Brian Kilmeade asked, “Do u say anything pro American?” Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad wrote, “I don’t feel safe in New York listening to someone like you, Mamdani, who sympathizes with the regime that killed more than 30,000 unarmed Iranians in less than 24 hours.”
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace stated, “History will not remember his bravery. It will not remember him at all.” Councilwoman Vickie Paladino added, “Iranian New Yorkers are thrilled today and see right through you.”
President Trump and Israeli officials later confirmed that the strike eliminated Khamenei. Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said, “Khamenei was the contemporary Middle East’s longest-serving autocrat.”
