Bari Weiss reposted two clips of Masih Alinejad responding to criticism of recent U.S.‑Israeli strikes on Iran. Alinejad criticized New York City Councilmember Zohran Mamdani’s framing and urged viewers not to shift anger onto Iranian civilians. In a separate, emotional clip she celebrated unverified reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed. Public opinion remains divided: a University of Maryland poll found just 21% of Americans would back a U.S. attack on Iran.
Bari Weiss Amplifies Masih Alinejad’s Fiery Response To U.S.-Israeli Strikes On Iran
Mike Blake/Reuters
Bari Weiss, a columnist and recent CBS News contributor, reposted two video clips of Iranian‑American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad responding to criticism of recent U.S.‑Israeli strikes on Iran. The exchanges have reignited debate about media commentary, civilian harm and political rhetoric amid reports of heightened conflict.
On-Air Exchange
In a segment on CBS News 24/7, Alinejad pushed back against New York City Councilmember Zohran Mamdani’s characterization of the strikes as “a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression.”
Weiss reposted the clip with a fire emoji. / X
“I know maybe you and many other people, they hate President Trump,” Alinejad said. “But believe me, this is not the right time to shift your hatred and your anger from President Trump to the people of Iran, innocent people. We are better allies to you, America, compared to these backward mullahs.”
Reaction To Reports About Iran’s Supreme Leader
Weiss later shared a second clip of Alinejad reacting emotionally to unverified reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed. In the footage, Alinejad appears tearful and says, “Finally, you’re dead, finally, you’re gone, Ali Khamenei,” adding that for many Iranians the news would feel like relief after years of suffering under the regime. She is then shown in public shouting, “Oh my God, I love America, thank you. Ali Khamenei is dead!”
Note: the clip reflects Alinejad’s personal response to reports circulating at the time; the article does not independently verify Khamenei’s status.
She later reposted Alinejad's celebratory video. / X
Background And Context
Alinejad is a long‑time critic of the Islamic Republic and was named a CBS News contributor in January. Earlier this year, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a government‑directed murder‑for‑hire plot targeting Alinejad.
Weiss has previously signaled hawkish views on Iran. In June, during an appearance on Fox News, she echoed concerns that a nuclear Iran would pose an existential threat to Israel and the United States, dismissed ceasefire rhetoric, and discussed the possibility of limited aerial strikes — including the use of B‑2 bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrators (M.O.P.s) — rather than a ground invasion.
Trump launched his war from a hastily constructed space in Mar-a-Lago with John Ratcliffe, the Director of the CIA (left), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (fourth from right), White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Dan Scavino, his golf caddy turned aide (second from right). / X
Public Opinion
Public polling shows Americans are divided about military action. A University of Maryland poll conducted earlier this month found just 21% of respondents would support a U.S. attack on Iran, 49% opposed it, and 30% were unsure.
Media Response
The exchanges have drawn attention because they mix personal grief, political advocacy and calls for or against military action. The Daily Beast has reached out to CBS for comment.
Help us improve.
