WANA (Apr 05) – The Iranian government has officially announced the dismissal of Shahram Dabiri, Deputy for Parliamentary Affairs — a move many see as President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first major test in living up to his campaign pledges of ethical leadership and solidarity with ordinary citizens.

 

Pezeshkian, who came to office vowing modesty, empathy with the people, and adherence to the lifestyle and values of the Shia Imams — revered spiritual leaders in Shia Islam known for their humility and justice — has now removed one of his oldest friends and closest political allies. The decision follows public outrage over an extravagant trip taken during the Iranian New Year holidays.

 

Shahram Dabiri, a wealthy businessman and long-time associate of the president, traveled with his wife to several countries including Antarctica during the Nowruz break. The trip, seen as lavish and purely recreational, occurred while millions of Iranians are struggling with economic hardship.

 

The first image released from the trip triggered a wave of backlash — not only from government critics but also from some of Pezeshkian’s supporters, who viewed the conduct as incompatible with the administration’s stated principles of modest living and public concern.

 

Sources close to the president believed Dabiri’s actions harmed Pezeshkian’s credibility. In their view, a senior official who opts for luxury travel during a national crisis damages public trust and contradicts the values the president claims to uphold. Eventually, this led to the difficult decision to part ways — despite years of personal friendship.

Shahram Dabiri, Deputy for Parliamentary Affairs / WANA News Agency

Dabiri attempted to defend himself by stating the trip was privately funded and personal. However, for many Iranians, the issue went beyond finances. The core concern was a disconnect between lifestyle and leadership — the very authenticity Pezeshkian had promised. Critics argued that public officials cannot live in luxury while claiming to understand the struggles of the people.

 

Today, the president released an official letter announcing Dabiri’s dismissal. The statement was direct, underscoring Pezeshkian’s unwillingness to compromise on his publicly declared principles:

 

“Dear Dr. Dabiri, it has been confirmed that during Nowruz you were on a leisure trip to Antarctica. In a government that is honored to follow the path of the Shia Imams, and at a time when economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on our people, such costly recreational travel by public officials — even when privately funded — is neither defensible nor compatible with our values of modest living.

 

While your longstanding friendship and valuable service in the 14th administration are appreciated, our commitment to honesty, justice, and the promises made to the people must come first. Therefore, we are unable to continue our cooperation with you in the current government.”

 

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

 

The letter may mark the end of a political partnership, but more significantly, it reflects the president’s clarity, honesty, and resolve in addressing public concerns — a rare act in a political climate where such dismissals are often handled quietly or through forced resignations.

 

By signing this letter, Pezeshkian removed a close confidant from his administration — signaling that his campaign promises were not merely rhetorical.