Iranian President Massoud Peseshkian has dismissed Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Shahram Dabiri over his “unreasonably luxurious” trip to Antarctica. This was reported by CNN with reference to the state-run IRNA news agency.
The trip, even if personally funded, “contradicts the spirit of modest living” that government officials should demonstrate, especially in times of economic crisis, Pezeshkian said.
“At a time when the people are suffering from financial pressure, such travel is unacceptable – even out of their own pockets,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government cannot have a “special attitude” even to long-standing allies. According to him, honesty, justice and responsibility to the people are the basis of service to the state.
Dabiri pleaded not guilty but agreed to the decision to resign.
Against the backdrop of this scandal, Iran’s economy is in a critical state: the national currency has fallen to a historic low of 1,039,000 rials per US dollar, partly due to US sanctions against Tehran’s nuclear programme.
