Iranian President Fires Deputy After Lavish Antarctic Cruise With Wife

The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has removed his vice president for parliamentary affairs, Shahram Dabiri, after facing significant public criticism regarding an extravagant Antarctic vacation taken during the Nowruz festivities.

The presidential office characterized Dabiri's trip accompanied by his spouse as "indefensible and inappropriate considering the current economic difficulties" facing the nation.

An image of the pair standing in front of the MV Plancius, a Dutch ship bound for Antarctica, went viral on social media platforms, inciting anger amongst Iranian viewers.

On Saturday, Pezeshkian verified Dabiri’s dismissal from his position, stating "unjustifiable" conduct regardless of whether the journey was personally financed.

"In a government aiming to adhere to the principles set forth by the first Shia Imam (Imam Ali) and facing considerable economic challenges for our citizens, the extravagant trips taken by government officials, even if they cover their own expenses, cannot be justified," stated Pezeshkian.

Mass protests erupted throughout the U.S. opposing Trump’s policies. In the UK, MP Dan Norris was detained on suspicions of child sex offenses and rape. Protests against both Trump and Elon Musk took place in several large European cities.

The president, who assumed office last year with pledges to mend Iran’s struggling economy and enhance everyday living conditions, stressed that such behavior "severely contradicts the core principle of simplicity expected from individuals in leadership roles."

Iran's economy continues to face significant pressure mainly because of Western sanctions tied to its backing of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah—which have been labeled as terrorist entities by the U.S., UK, and EU.

As reported by the International Monetary Fund, Iran had an unemployment rate of 8.4% in October 2024, accompanied by an annual inflation rate of 29.5%.

Reports suggest that the initial expense for an Antarctic journey aboard the MV Plancius stands at approximately $6,685 (£5,187). This price point has sparked additional backlash considering Iran’s current financial situation. Although expeditions to Antarctica were once limited to researchers and experienced adventurers, cruise tourism to this region has become increasingly popular in recent times.

The ship seen in the widely shared image was formerly utilized by the Royal Netherlands Navy for research activities between 1976 and 2004. The specifics of Dabiri’s travel arrangements remain uncertain, including both his chosen tour package and mode of transportation from Iran to Antarctica. Certain cruise options necessitate departing from Ushuaia in south Argentina, a distance exceeding 3,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires.

As per the BBC, Iranian news outlets highlighted growing pressure on Pezeshkian from his backers to remove Dabiri, amid escalating public discontent regarding the festive trip.

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