Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Reaction To The Iran Strike Sparks Considerable Backlash
New York City’s socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing a tidal wave of backlash after condemning the U.S. strike on Iran that ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — and conservatives…
New York City’s socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing a tidal wave of backlash after condemning the U.S. strike on Iran that ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — and conservatives are not holding back.
As a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation unfolded Saturday, Mamdani took to X with a post that has since racked up nearly 20 million views. His message was clear — and explosive.
“Today’s military strikes on Iran — carried out by the United States and Israel — mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression,” Mamdani wrote.
He continued: “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.”
The remarks came just hours before President Donald Trump and Israeli officials confirmed that Khamenei — widely regarded as the architect of Iran’s hardline Islamist regime — had been killed in the operation. Israeli leaders later stated that Khamenei’s compound and offices in downtown Tehran were reduced to rubble in a targeted strike.
But instead of focusing on the removal of one of the world’s most entrenched autocrats, Mamdani pivoted to domestic concerns, arguing Americans would rather see “relief from the affordability crisis.” He also addressed Iranian residents of New York City directly.
“You are part of the fabric of this city — you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders,” Mamdani wrote. “You will be safe here.”
The response online was immediate and blistering.
“Comrade Mayor is rooting for the Ayatollah,” Sen. Ted Cruz posted. “They can chant together.”
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade went further, accusing Mamdani of ignoring the brutality of the Iranian regime. “Do u say anything pro American?” Kilmeade wrote. “Do u know any Iranians? They hate Khamenei. They celebrate his death… You are an embarrassment.”
Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad delivered one of the sharpest rebukes, accusing Mamdani of failing to stand with Iranian protesters in previous crackdowns. She referenced reports that tens of thousands of Iranians were killed during recent regime crackdowns and pointed to the Islamic Republic’s violent repression of women and students.