NYC Mayor Mamdani Criticized for Remarks on Netanyahu Amidst Iranian President's UN Visit
Critics accuse Mayor Zohran Mamdani of hypocrisy for labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a 'war criminal' while remaining largely silent on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's presence in New York for the UN General Assembly.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn criticism for his strong condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contrasted with a muted response to the arrival of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the city for the United Nations General Assembly.
Mamdani has repeatedly called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and urged his arrest, but has been notably less vocal regarding Pezeshkian, despite Iran's history of alleged human rights abuses and its role as a state sponsor of terrorism. This disparity in rhetoric has prompted accusations of hypocrisy from journalists and national security experts.
Iranian-born journalist Masih Alinejad, who has previously been targeted in an assassination plot attributed to the Iranian regime, pointed out the contrast. "Mayor Mamdani, you said war criminals who set foot in New York should be arrested. Good news. One is in New York city this week," Alinejad stated on social media, referring to Pezeshkian. She invited Mamdani to review FBI files related to her case, highlighting Iran's alleged attempts to kidnap her in Brooklyn.
National security officials have previously stated that the Iranian regime has orchestrated assassination plots against individuals opposing it. In January, Director of National Intelligence Walter "Jay" Clayton noted Iran's campaign of assassination plots targeting dissidents, both domestically and abroad. A U.S.-based conspirator in a plot against Alinejad was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Brigitte Gabriel, founder of ACT For America, also criticized Mamdani's stance. "The government of Iran, a sponsor of terrorism, assassination, and espionage around the globe, has engaged in a campaign of assassination plots in the United States and abroad targeting those who oppose the regime," Gabriel said on X. "Where are the war crimes charges? Where’s Mamdani to arrest him while he’s in NYC?"
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon urged Mamdani to focus on New York City's issues and cease what he termed "promoting anti-Semitism" and supporting Hamas. Danon also criticized Mamdani's administration for reportedly seeking to arrange a meeting with Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani.
Senator Tom Cotton echoed these sentiments, questioning the selective nature of Mamdani's criticisms. "Is Zohran Mamdani threatening to arrest butchers from Iran who have killed tens of thousands of their own people, or genuine war criminals from other countries?" Cotton asked. "No. The one person he cites is the leader of the Jewish State of Israel."
Mamdani has maintained that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City and has described him as an "architect" of "genocide." Despite meeting with former President Donald Trump, Mamdani stated that their views on Israel and the conflict in Iran remain significantly different.