Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed his deputy for parliamentary affairs on Saturday after a photo emerged showing the official on an expensive trip to Antarctica, sparking criticism as the country struggles with hyperinflation and a severe economic crisis.
The now-former deputy, Shahram Dabiri, was seen posing with a woman identified as his wife near the luxury Plancius cruise ship. The Dutch-flagged vessel, which has offered Antarctic expeditions since 2009, lists an eight-day trip at 3,885 euros per person.
"In a context where economic pressure on the population remains high... expensive leisure trips by officials, even if paid for out of their own pocket, are neither defensible nor justifiable," Pezeshkian wrote in a letter published by state news agency IRNA, confirming Dabiri's dismissal.
Dabiri, a 64-year-old physician and close ally of Pezeshkian, had been appointed to his role in August. The controversy ignited after the photo was shared on social media, with public outcry urging Pezeshkian to take action.
IRNA later reported that Dabiri had made the trip before assuming his official post. However, the incident has compounded the pressure on Pezeshkian's government, which had promised to revive the economy.
In March, Pezeshkian's Economy Minister, Abdolnasser Hemmati, was also dismissed by parliament following a sharp depreciation of the rial and surging inflation.
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