New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly criticized the United States and Israel for the military strikes on Iran on Saturday (local time), calling the action a “catastrophic escalation” and expansion of what he described as an illegal war of aggression.
In a post on X, Mamdani said the bombings marked the opening of a “new theater of war”, accusing both countries of targeting cities and causing civilian casualties.
“Americans don’t want it,” the mayor wrote. “They don’t want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the availability crisis. They want peace,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani’s remarks came hours after the US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, and President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to “take control of their destiny” by opposing the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, said on Saturday evening that at least 201 people had been killed and more than 700 wounded. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases in the Persian Gulf region, drawing criticism from the Muslim world.
Focus on safety in New York
Mamdani said his immediate priority is keeping New Yorkers safe. He said he was in touch with the city’s police commissioner and emergency management officials, adding that proactive measures were being put in place in the five wards.
“We are taking proactive steps, including increasing inter-agency coordination and strengthening patrols at sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution,” he said.
A message to Iranian New Yorkers
Mamdani also addressed the city’s Iranian community directly, emphasizing inclusion and safety.
“I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city — you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers and community leaders,” he wrote. “You’ll be safe here.
Americans don’t want that. They don’t want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want to alleviate the affordability crisis. They want peace.
New York City is home to one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities in the United States, with cultural, academic, and business ties throughout the metropolitan area.
