Iranian President Dismisses Deputy Over Controversial Antarctic Getaway

Following a wave of public discontent stemming from Shahram Dabiri's high-profile cruise during economic hardship, President Pezeshkian emphasized the need for accountability among government officials.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken significant action by dismissing Shahram Dabiri, the vice president of parliamentary affairs, due to outrage over his extravagant trip to Antarctica with his wife during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The president's office condemned the journey as "unjustifiable" in the context of the ongoing economic challenges faced by Iran. An image of Dabiri and his wife aboard the MV Plancius, headed for the South Pole, was widely circulated on social media, fueling public outrage.

In a statement released on Saturday, Pezeshkian characterized Dabiri’s actions as "indefensible," emphasizing that such excessive travel, whether privately funded or not, is unacceptable in a government that aspires to uphold the values of Imam Ali amid significant economic hardship. The difficult economic climate in Iran, exacerbated by Western sanctions, has led to high unemployment rates and rampant inflation, creating discontent among the populace.

As of October 2024, the International Monetary Fund reported Iran's unemployment rate at 8.4%, with annual inflation reaching 29.5%.

Pezeshkian highlighted that the lavish travels of government officials violate the essential principle of simplicity expected of those in power. The Antarctic expedition on the MV Plancius reportedly starts at approximately $6,685 (£5,187), a sum which raises eyebrows given the current economic climate. Although trips to Antarctica have historically been undertaken by researchers, the surge in tourism has seen growing numbers seeking such experiences.

The exact details of how Dabiri traveled from Iran to Antarctica remain unclear, particularly as journeys typically commence from Ushuaia, Argentina—a considerable distance from Iran. Following Dabiri's controversial vacation, many of Pezeshkian's supporters have called for his dismissal, reflecting the broader public dissatisfaction regarding luxury pursuits amid economic strain.