Iranian President Dismisses Deputy Over Controversial Antarctic Vacation

President Pezeshkian condemned Shahram Dabiri's trip to Antarctica, calling it unacceptable amid Iran's economic challenges. The backlash on social media led to calls for Dabiri’s removal, highlighting public discontent with government officials' extravagant lifestyles.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has removed his deputy, Shahram Dabiri, from office after a controversial trip to Antarctica during the Nowruz celebrations. The president's office labeled the journey as "unjustifiable and unacceptable," given the severe economic difficulties currently facing the nation. Dabiri, photographed alongside his wife in front of the MV Plancius, which was on its way to Antarctica, faced significant backlash on social media platforms, triggering widespread outrage among Iranian citizens.

In an official statement, Pezeshkian emphasized that Dabiri's actions were "indefensible," regardless of whether the trip was personally funded. "In a government that strives to uphold the values of the first Shia Imam (Imam Ali), the extravagant travels of officials, even when self-financed, are unacceptable in light of the economic pressures our people face," he stated. The Iranian economy is reeling under the weight of Western sanctions linked to its support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US, UK, and EU.

As of October 2024, Iran's unemployment rate stood at 8.4%, with an inflation rate of 29.5%, as reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Pezeshkian asserted that Dabiri's actions contradicted the core principle of simplicity expected of government officials. The expedition on the MV Plancius reportedly starts at a price of approximately $6,685 (£5,187), making such luxury voyages more accessible to tourists, despite Antarctica traditionally being visited mainly by scientists and seasoned explorers.

While the details of Dabiri's travel arrangements remain unclear, it is known that tourists typically embark on their Antarctic journeys from Ushuaia in Argentina, situated over 3,000 kilometers away from Buenos Aires. The response from the public and media pressure on Pezeshkian's administration has been palpable, leading to urgent calls for actions against government extravagance amidst a struggling economy.