In a move underscoring growing public frustration over economic disparity, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday dismissed his deputy for parliamentary affairs, Shahram Dabiri, following widespread backlash over a lavish trip to Antarctica.

The decision comes as Iran continues to struggle with hyperinflation and a deepening economic crisis that has severely impacted the cost of living for ordinary citizens.

The controversy erupted after a photo circulated on social media showing Dabiri, 64, alongside a woman believed to be his wife, posing near the luxury Dutch-flagged cruise ship Plancius, known for its high-end expeditions to Antarctica. According to travel agencies, an eight-day journey aboard the vessel can cost at least 3,885 euros per person.

“In a context where economic pressure on the population remains high… expensive leisure trips by officials, even if paid out of their own pocket, are neither defensible nor justifiable,” President Pezeshkian stated in a letter released by the state-run IRNA news agency.

Dabiri, a physician and long-time ally of the president, was appointed to his role in August 2024. Though his office previously claimed the trip occurred before he assumed public office, the growing political pressure and mounting public anger led to his eventual dismissal.

The fallout represents a significant political blow to President Pezeshkian, who campaigned on a reformist platform focused on revitalising Iran’s ailing economy and easing daily hardships. His administration has already faced scrutiny over economic performance, particularly after Parliament removed Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati in March amid a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial and surging inflation.

Critics argue the Antarctic trip symbolised a disconnect between government officials and the everyday struggles of ordinary Iranians. Several of Pezeshkian’s own supporters reportedly called for Dabiri’s dismissal to protect the administration’s credibility.

The incident highlights the growing public demand for transparency and accountability in Iran’s political leadership, especially during a time of severe economic hardship.