New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday voiced criticism of Iran’s leadership over its violent response to anti-government demonstrations, addressing the issue after days of mounting pressure and accusations that he had avoided commenting as the unrest escalated.
The remarks came amid growing criticism from observers who said the mayor had remained conspicuously quiet while protests spread across Iran and reports of deadly force by the regime multiplied.
Mamdani raised the issue only after fielding an unrelated question during a Tuesday night press conference, stating, “I absolutely do not support the way the Iranian government has responded to that.”
He went on to say that Iran’s authorities should “respect the right of people to express their political opinions” without fear of harm.
The timing of the statement drew heightened attention because Mamdani has frequently spoken out on Middle East matters, particularly when Israel is involved.
The New York Post reported that critics pointed to a stark contrast between his delayed response to Iran and his earlier, forceful commentary on the Israel-Hamas war, including rhetoric sharply critical of Israeli leadership.
Online reaction was swift, with critics using social media to deride the mayor’s hesitation and accuse him of selective indignation, arguing that he is quick to denounce U.S. allies but reluctant to challenge a radical Islamist government accused of violently suppressing dissent.
The demonstrations in Iran are being characterized as some of the most significant in years.
According to Reuters, the crackdown has been brutal, with an Iranian official estimating that about 2,000 people have been killed, including members of the country’s security forces.
The crisis has also spilled onto the global stage, with President Donald Trump publicly urging demonstrators to continue and declaring that “help is on its way,” though he offered no details on what form that assistance might take.
Trump has simultaneously pushed to intensify economic pressure on Tehran, including threatening new tariffs on countries that maintain trade ties with Iran.
Mamdani’s comments on Iran surfaced as his initial actions at City Hall continue to provoke controversy.
Within his first days in office, he defended his decision to rescind several executive orders enacted by former Mayor Eric Adams.
Those orders included measures Adams had promoted as tools to combat antisemitism, as well as directives connected to Israel-related divestment policies.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry publicly rebuked Mamdani over the reversal of an International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance-linked definition of antisemitism, describing the move as inflammatory.
At the same time, Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony highlighted the cultural and political symbolism surrounding his ascent.
He took the oath of office using multiple Qurans, among them a centuries-old volume associated with the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center collection.
{Matzav.com}
