New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday strongly criticised US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, calling them “a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression.”

In a post on X, Mamdani said the strikes — carried out by the United States and Israel — amounted to “bombing cities, killing civilians and opening a new theatre of war.”

He said Americans did not want another war aimed at regime change, adding that public priorities lay in economic relief and peace rather than expanded military conflict.

Mamdani said city authorities were taking precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

He confirmed he was in contact with police and emergency management officials and that coordination across agencies had been increased, along with enhanced patrols at sensitive locations.

Addressing Iranian Americans directly, the mayor said members of the Iranian community were an integral part of New York City and would be protected.

“You are our neighbours, business owners, students, artists, workers and community leaders,” he said. “You will be safe here.”