Backlash against NYC Mayor over silence on Iranian president’s visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing significant criticism over his limited public response to the arrival of Masoud Pezeshkian, president of the regime ruling Iran, for the United Nations General Assembly. This follows Mamdani’s repeated calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested as a "war criminal." Iranian-born journalist Masih Alinejad, who was the target of a regime-coordinated kidnapping plot, challenged Mamdani, stating that if he has the courage to discuss arresting those responsible for crimes against humanity, he should start with the man currently in New York. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton also highlighted the contrast, questioning why Mamdani targets the leader of Israel rather than the "butchers" from the regime ruling Iran who have killed tens of thousands of their own people. Mamdani has continued to advocate for the enforcement of ICC warrants against Netanyahu. In response, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and inciting hostility against Jews in New York, stating he would address these comments during his UN appearance.