In a fresh scandal shaking the fourteenth administration, Iranian regime’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed his parliamentary deputy, Shahram Dabiri, following public outrage over Dabiri’s extravagant vacation to Antarctica during the Persian New Year holidays.
The dismissal order, dated April 5, 2025, was published by the state-run Shafaqna website, citing Pezeshkian’s decision to end Dabiri’s tenure. The controversy began when Dabiri’s wife posted images of their Antarctic vacation on social media, including one where they stood in front of the luxury cruise ship “Plancius” emblazoned with the slogan, “Onward to Antarctica.” Despite Dabiri’s initial attempts to deny the trip, mounting evidence forced Pezeshkian to act under pressure from rival factions.
The scandal surrounding Dabiri’s dismissal is deepened by his past corruption allegations. Dabiri was arrested in June 2020 on charges related to serial financial corruption involving the Tabriz City Council and Municipality. In November 2016, the Tabriz Governor confirmed Dabiri’s conviction over his involvement in illicit overseas travels. Despite these past convictions, Pezeshkian controversially appointed Dabiri as his parliamentary deputy in August 2024.
#Iran News: Pezeshkian Deputy’s Antarctica Voyage Draws Criticism as Economic Hardship Deepenshttps://t.co/8ktHIXUNM5
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) March 27, 2025
Critics argue that Pezeshkian’s decision to dismiss Dabiri is a superficial attempt to project an image of integrity rather than a genuine commitment to transparency. Many believe the president’s decision was driven by factional pressure rather than principles. They point out that other officials involved in corruption scandals remain untouched, and Dabiri’s removal is merely a sacrificial move to protect Pezeshkian’s image.
Dabiri’s Antarctic trip became widely known after the photos went viral on social media, sparking anger among Iranians grappling with severe economic hardships. Many noted the hypocrisy of officials like Dabiri enjoying luxury vacations abroad while the regime preaches austerity and modest living to the masses.
The controversy also reflects growing dissatisfaction with Pezeshkian’s administration, which has been weakened by the earlier dismissal of Javad Zarif and the impeachment of Abdolnasser Hemmati. Observers argue that the regime’s claims of fighting corruption are hollow as long as entrenched officials with histories of corruption continue to hold power.