Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed one of his closest aides after public outrage over a costly leisure trip to Antarctica at a time when the country faces severe economic hardship.
The official, Shahram Dabiri, who served as deputy for parliamentary affairs, was removed from his position on Saturday following widespread criticism over a photo showing him and a woman believed to be his wife vacationing near a luxury cruise ship.
The image, shared widely on social media, sparked anger among Iranians who are struggling with inflation and a rapidly declining national currency. The photo showed Dabiri standing near the Plancius, a Dutch-flagged ship known for offering high-end Antarctic expeditions. Some travel agencies list the cruise at nearly 4,000 euros per person for an eight-day journey.
While reports later claimed the trip took place before Dabiri assumed his government role, the timing of the photo’s circulation hit a nerve with citizens already frustrated by rising prices and economic instability. President Pezeshkian responded with a public letter, stating that lavish vacations by government officials—regardless of whether they are funded personally—are inappropriate when most citizens are under financial pressure.
Dabiri, a 64-year-old doctor who was appointed last August, had been considered a trusted member of Pezeshkian’s team. His removal comes just weeks after the president’s Economy Minister was ousted by parliament over the government’s handling of inflation and currency depreciation.
The Antarctic trip controversy has added to the mounting challenges for Pezeshkian, who came to office last year with promises to stabilize the economy and ease daily hardships for ordinary people. Instead, his administration has faced a string of setbacks and increasing discontent from both the public and political circles.
As economic pain deepens in Iran, officials are coming under greater scrutiny for their personal spending and conduct. The government now finds itself walking a tightrope, trying to restore trust while navigating one of the toughest financial periods in the country’s recent history.