TEHRAN: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed VP for taking an expensive leisure trip to Antarctica.
Vice President Shahram Dabiri was removed from his role in parliamentary affairs via a formal decree Saturday.
Pezeshkian called the trip “extravagant and indefensible,” especially amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
He said such actions don’t align with values inspired by Imam Ali or public expectations.
Even if paid personally, the president said such trips can’t be justified during tough economic times.
Ethics and Pressure
Pezeshkian said the government must reflect honesty and justice despite officials’ long-standing records.
He emphasized officials should honor public trust and uphold promises made during election campaigns.
The trip reportedly clashed with the administration’s commitment to simple living and financial discipline.
Dabiri denied any wrongdoing but said he would respect the president’s final decision.
This marks the first high-profile dismissal of Pezeshkian’s presidency on ethical grounds.
Message of Values
The president used the incident to highlight his government’s stance on transparency and accountability.
He said government service must reflect sacrifice, simplicity, and unity with the struggling population.
Officials are expected to live modestly and lead by example during financial hardship, he said.
Iran has long endured economic strain, worsened by tough US sanctions and inflation.
Pezeshkian called for public trust through ethical leadership and consistent values.
Worsening Economy
Iran’s economy continues to weaken under pressure from global sanctions, especially targeting its nuclear program.
The national currency recently hit a historic low of 1,039,000 rials to the US dollar.
This sharp drop, reported by Bonbast.com and cited by Reuters, signals growing economic anxiety.
Public frustration is rising due to job losses, inflation, and declining purchasing power.
Citizens are watching government spending more closely than ever before.
No Special Treatment
Presidential spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani supported the firing in a statement to state media IRNA.
She said the decision shows Pezeshkian refuses favoritism or “brotherhood pacts” with political allies.
Only public interest, justice, and honesty guide the president’s decisions, she emphasized.
This stance has boosted Pezeshkian’s image as a leader focused on clean governance.
Many Iranians see the move as a rare show of accountability within the government.
Symbolic Gesture
Pezeshkian’s actions are symbolic amid widespread demands for reform and economic relief.
Critics often accuse Iranian leaders of double standards in lifestyle versus public messaging.
The dismissal of Dabiri could signal a stricter tone for public officials under Pezeshkian.
He warned that personal financing doesn’t make extravagant travel acceptable for those in leadership.
The trip itself raised public outrage when news surfaced on social media.
Public Reactions
Online users questioned how officials could afford such trips during national economic distress.
Some praised the president for swift action and holding officials accountable.
Others demanded further investigation into financial behavior of other high-level figures.
This case may open doors for deeper scrutiny of government transparency.
Citizens continue demanding leaders act with restraint and awareness of public suffering.
Political Fallout
Though Dabiri’s dismissal is final, some within the political sphere remain divided.
His defenders say he contributed greatly to the government over the years.
Critics say this is an overdue step toward ethical reform and political transparency.
Pezeshkian’s decision could impact other leaders who enjoy unmonitored privileges.
His message was clear: ethics matter more than seniority or legacy in today’s government.
