Norwegian minister resigns after vacation in Iran

Norway's Fisheries Minister Per Sandberg has resigned over safety violations while on a trip to Iran. He also left the post of deputy head of the Norwegian Progress Party, according to NRK broadcaster.

In July, Sandberg spent a holiday in Iran. The official did not tell the prime minister's office in advance where he was going; he spoke about his stay in Iran two days after his arrival.

In addition, Sandberg took with him his office phone, which contained, among other things, correspondence with colleagues from the government. Now the device is checked by the Norwegian police.

The official went on vacation with his girlfriend, a native of Iran, Bahareh Letnes. In the aftermath of the scandal, police began investigating Letnes's possible ties to Iranian authorities, according to NRK.

The Prime Minister [Erna Solberg] supported the government's decision. “Per even asked for his resignation. I think this is the right decision. He [didn't give due importance] to safety rules,” Solberg said (Nor.).

NRK