Mamdani official planned meeting with Iran envoy shut down by State Department

One source told the City Journal that Archila organized the meeting without permission or consultation.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s international affairs commissioner attempted to arrange a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, but U.S. State Department officials intervened before it could take place, the City Journal reported, citing sources.

The proposed meeting between Ana María Archila and Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, was ultimately canceled after State Department officials learned of the plans while the U.S. conflict with Iran remained ongoing, the report said.

One source told the City Journal that Archila organized the meeting without permission or consultation.

“She scheduled it without checking in with anybody,” the source said of the planned Tuesday meeting.

The City Journal reported that Mamdani was unaware of Archila’s plans. T

he mayor previously criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes against Iran in February, calling it an “illegal war of aggression.”

Another source reacted critically to the planned meeting, telling the publication, “I mean, read the room people. I’m sure the president is thrilled.”

Archila, a former New York lieutenant governor candidate, has no diplomatic experience, according to the report.

The New York Post, citing staff members, reported that Archila has struggled in the role, prompting the administration to retain her predecessor, Aissata M.B. Camara, as a second international affairs commissioner. Insiders described the arrangement as unprecedented.

Camara’s LinkedIn profile continues to identify her as the commissioner. She also appeared in photographs with foreign dignitaries as recently as Wednesday.

Despite Camara’s continued public presence in the role, insiders told The New York Post that Mamdani’s administration had pushed her out during the spring.

The reported attempt to arrange the meeting came as Washington launched strikes against Iran for attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.