NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is under fire after condemning U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets as a “catastrophic escalation” and an “illegal war of aggression.”

In a social media post Saturday, Mamdani wrote, “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 strikes, approved by President Donald Trump, targeted Iranian military bases, nuclear sites, and leadership. Trump described the operations as preemptive measures to neutralize Iran’s missile arsenal and protect U.S. allies.

Stay in your lane. Clean up the snow and support the cops. https://t.co/5P6BMqBjYd

— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) February 28, 2026

Mamdani emphasized that New Yorkers want attention on domestic issues, including the city’s affordability crisis, rather than foreign conflicts. He also highlighted stepped-up city security, with police and emergency patrols increased around sensitive locations ahead of the Jewish holiday of Purim. “You are a part of the fabric of the city. You are our students, our artists, our small business owners, our neighbors, our community leaders. You will be safe here,” he said.

The mayor’s statements prompted a torrent of criticism on social media. Investor Bill Ackman wrote, “You support the Khamanei regime that killed 38,000+ protesters… And then you call our efforts to destroy the evildoers a catastrophic escalation. How is it that you can’t differentiate between good and evil?”

Political commentator Valentina Gomez tweeted, “Of course the terrorist is siding with the terrorists. Mamdani is the perfect example as to why we can’t have Muslims leading Christian nations.” Comedian Michael Rapaport criticized Mamdani for not addressing Iran’s recent domestic unrest: “If you didn’t pray for, cry for, post about, or even acknowledge the 35,000 regular Iranian citizens slaughtered in the streets last month… don’t say a word about what’s happening today. Free Iran.”

Elica Le Bon added, “You said nothing when Iranians were slaughtered… Now you speak up to defend the terrorists that killed them. Your legacy will live side by side with the Islamic regime: on the ash heap of history.” Councilwoman Vickie Paladino wrote, “Iranian New Yorkers are thrilled today and see right through you.”

Today’s military strikes on Iran — carried out by the United States and Israel — mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 28, 2026

So let me get this straight. You support the Khamanei regime that killed 38,000+ protesters and maimed hundreds of thousands more. A regime that has repeatedly called for Death to America and has killed thousands of our servicemen and citizens. One that has taken away women’s…

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) February 28, 2026

Of course the terrorist is siding with the terrorists.

Mamdani is the perfect example as to why we can’t have Muslims leading Christian nations.

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) February 28, 2026

If you didn’t pray for, cry for, post about, or even acknowledge the 35,000 regular Iranian citizens slaughtered in the streets last month while fighting for their freedom — don’t say a word about what’s happening today.
Free Iran.

— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) February 28, 2026

You said nothing when Iranians were slaughtered in the worst massacre of our time. Now, you speak up to defend the terrorists that killed them.

You are a disgrace. The city of New York, the U.S., the Iranian people, and the world sees you now for what you are. An inhumane,…

— Elica Le Bon الیکا‌ ل بن (@elicalebon) February 28, 2026