New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced scrutiny this week over both foreign policy positions and domestic campaign promises, highlighting early challenges in his administration.

During a Tuesday press conference, Mamdani declined to directly answer a reporter's question regarding whether Iran would be better off without the Ayatollah, according to Fox News reporting. The mayor's response to the foreign policy question drew attention given his previous statements on international affairs.

Separately, Mamdani has come under criticism from transportation advocates after reportedly reversing a campaign pledge to eliminate parking spots near city intersections. The New York Post reported that the policy change represents a departure from promises made during his mayoral campaign.

Transportation safety advocates had supported the intersection parking elimination as a measure to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce traffic accidents. The reversal has disappointed groups that endorsed Mamdani based partly on his transportation safety platform.

The dual controversies come as Mamdani, a progressive Democrat who previously served in the New York State Assembly, settles into his role as mayor. His handling of both foreign policy questions and local transportation issues will likely continue to draw attention as his administration takes shape.