**Iran's President Dismisses Deputy Over Controversial Antarctic Vacation**

**Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed Shahram Dabiri after his extravagant Antarctic vacation with his wife sparked national outrage amid economic hardship.**

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken a decisive step in addressing public dissatisfaction by terminating the position of Shahram Dabiri, a deputy who faced backlash for embarking on a luxurious cruise to Antarctica with his wife during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The president’s office remarked that Dabiri’s decision to undertake such a trip was "unjustifiable and unacceptable" given the severe economic challenges facing the country.

A social media uproar ensued following the publication of a photograph showing Dabiri and his wife in front of the MV Plancius, which was en route to Antarctica. In response, President Pezeshkian labeled Dabiri’s actions as "indefensible," regardless of whether he financed the trip himself. He emphasized the need for government officials to exhibit simplicity and frugality, especially in the light of the significant economic pressures affecting the populace.

With Iran's economy strained by ongoing Western sanctions and restrictions, particularly due to its affiliations with groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the country is grappling with an unemployment rate of 8.4% and an inflation rate of 29.5% as recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The cruise package for the Antarctic expedition reportedly starts at around $6,685, a considerable amount for a nation facing financial difficulties. Tours to Antarctica, once largely reserved for scientists and experienced explorers, have recently gained traction among tourists, raising eyebrows regarding the appropriateness of such indulgences by government officials.

Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency last year with pledges to revitalize the economy, responded to mounting public discontent as many of his supporters called for decisive action against Dabiri’s trip. Amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and public frustration, the president's move may signal a commitment to uphold values of austerity and accountability within his administration.