By Trendsetter Tribune 
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he does not support Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters, while confirming limited communication with President Donald Trump.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday that he does not support Iran’s deadly response to ongoing protests, stressing that governments must respect the right of people to express political views safely.
“I absolutely do not support the way the Iranian government has responded to that,” Mamdani said during a press conference when asked about the situation in Iran.
The mayor emphasized broader principles of political freedom, stating that peaceful expression should be protected regardless of the country involved.
“I think that the Iranian government and every government should respect the right of people to express their political opinions, and for people to be able to do so safely,” Mamdani said.
Background on Mamdani’s Leadership
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, was sworn in as New York City’s mayor at the beginning of the year after winning last year’s mayoral contest. His election marked a notable shift in city leadership and drew national attention.
Since taking office, Mamdani has sought to balance domestic priorities with commentary on major international issues that resonate with New York’s diverse population.
Limited Contact With President Trump
During the same press conference, Mamdani confirmed that he has had limited communication with President Donald Trump since meeting him in the Oval Office last year.
“I’ve exchanged a handful of texts with the president since we met in the Oval Office,” Mamdani said.
He added that their conversations have remained focused on local concerns rather than foreign policy.
“And those texts, the conversations that we’ve had, they always come back to New York City and the importance of delivering for the people who call this city home,” he said.
Trump Signals Support for Iranian Protesters
President Trump has recently signaled that the United States may take action in support of Iranian dissidents amid the unrest. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump urged protesters to continue demonstrating and sharply criticized Iranian authorities for the killings.
Trump said he had canceled meetings with Iranian officials and suggested that consequences would follow for those responsible for violence against demonstrators. He concluded the post using the phrase “Make Iran Great Again,” abbreviated as “MIGA.”
Political Context
Mamdani’s remarks place him among U.S. officials publicly condemning Iran’s response to protests, while maintaining a focus on his role as mayor rather than engaging directly in federal foreign policy debates.
As tensions continue abroad and political divisions remain sharp at home, Mamdani’s comments reflect the growing intersection of international human rights issues with local and national political discourse in the United States.