New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticized the prospect of a United States military confrontation with Iran, warning that another intervention aimed at political change abroad could repeat what he described as America’s past strategic failures.

During an interview with political analyst Brian Tyler Cohen, Mamdani argued that military escalation should be rejected entirely, citing ethical concerns, political risks, and the heavy financial burden such conflicts impose on American citizens.

The mayor said the debate over war comes at a time when millions of Americans are grappling with rising living costs and economic uncertainty. He questioned the wisdom of allocating vast public funds toward overseas military campaigns instead of investing in domestic priorities such as healthcare access, education systems, and relief for student debt.

Mamdani noted that billions of dollars have already been spent amid escalating tensions, suggesting that similar resources could significantly improve the lives of working-class families across the United States.

He further warned that previous U.S. regime-change interventions have often produced instability rather than lasting peace, urging policymakers to learn from historical outcomes before pursuing another military confrontation.