Socialist NYC Mayor Hopeful Says Iran Bombing Will ‘Plunge’ World ‘Into Chaos’

Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani slammed the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities Saturday, calling it an “unconstitutional military action” and warning it could “plunge the world deeper into chaos.”

Mamdani, a state assemblyman and vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, released a statement on X after President Donald Trump’s address to the nation, in which Trump said the strikes aimed to “destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity” and neutralize “the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror.” (RELATED: How The US Crippled Iran’s Nuclear Program In One, Clandestine Attack)

“Donald Trump ran for president promising to end wars, not start new ones,” Mamdani wrote. “Today’s unconstitutional military action represents a dark, new chapter in his endless betrayals that now threaten to plunge the world deeper into chaos.”

My statement on the Trump administration’s illegal military actions and the wars that must end. pic.twitter.com/ShjGwSzRk2

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 22, 2025

Mamdani added that the “political establishment” prioritizes “endless wars” and military spending over domestic needs like poverty alleviation and peace-building. The progressive candidate is currently polling second behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

Brad Lander, New York City comptroller and fellow Democratic mayoral candidate, also condemned the bombing. “Trump’s reckless & unconstitutional strikes against Iran are a dangerous escalation of war — and threaten countless Iranian, Israeli & American lives,” Lander posted on X.

Trump’s reckless & unconstitutional strikes against Iran are a dangerous escalation of war — and threaten countless Iranian, Israeli & American lives.

My thoughts are with families fearing for their safety, and the thousands of New Yorkers worrying tonight about loved ones in…

— Brad Lander (@bradlander) June 22, 2025

The airstrikes came just days before the final round of primary voting in the city. In response to potential threats, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams ordered increased NYPD presence around cultural and religious sites.

This morning, @NYPDPC and I convened our international liaisons for a briefing to discuss the situation in the Middle East and how it affects us here at home.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased police presence at religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites… pic.twitter.com/zXPkmEh6cr

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 22, 2025

Mamdani, a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, has faced criticism for his anti-Israel rhetoric, including refusing to condemn the chant “globalize the intifada,” which incites antisemitic violence.