Iran’s president dismisses his deputy for ‘leisure trip’ to Antarctica -

Reuters

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed his deputy for parliamentary affairs, Shahram Dabiri, following controversy over Dabiri’s recent trip to Antarctica during the Persian New Year holidays.

The controversy began after a photo of Dabiri near the Plancius cruise ship in Antarctica circulated widely on social media, sparking public outcry. Many citizens called for his resignation or removal, accusing the official of being out of touch with the country’s economic struggles.

In his decree, Pezeshkian emphasized that, even if Dabiri personally funded the trip, it was incompatible with the principles of simplicity and modesty that government officials are expected to uphold. "Such an expensive leisure trip by an official is indefensible and incompatible with the principles of simplicity expected of government officials," Pezeshkian said.

Dabiri, who had served as the vice president for parliamentary affairs since August, had resisted calls to step down, stating he would only leave his post if formally dismissed. Pezeshkian’s decree marked the official termination of Dabiri’s position.

Dabiri is the second senior official to be dismissed in recent weeks, following the removal of Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati in early March after a vote of no-confidence in parliament due to ongoing economic challenges.

Pezeshkian's decision highlights the ongoing political and economic turbulence in Iran, as the government grapples with both domestic discontent and international pressures.

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