Hezbollah’s power structure appears to be crumbling as reports emerge of its new chief secretly escaping to Iran.

According to UAE-based Erem News, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem fled Beirut on October 5, using an aircraft employed by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a state visit to Lebanon and Syria. His hasty relocation to Tehran was ordered by top Iranian officials concerned about potential assassination attempts by Israel.

Since his departure, Qassem has delivered three speeches – the first recorded in Beirut, while the second and third were reportedly given from Tehran. During his last recorded speech on Tuesday, the Hezbollah leader warned of continued “resistance” against Israel.

“The Resistance will not be defeated because it owns the land and because its fighters are martyrs who accept nothing but a life of honor. Your army is now defeated and will be defeated more,” he warned. “Israel and those behind it wage war and commit massacres, leaving us no choice but to take a stand

Considered one of Hezbollah’s founding members, Qassem has long been a significant figure in the Lebanese-based terror organization. Born in southern Lebanon, he initially studied chemistry and worked as a teacher before pursuing extremism. His terror career began with the Shia Amal Movement in 1974. Inspired by Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, he departed Amal and later participated in the foundational meetings of Hezbollah, established under Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982.

Qassem’s tenure as deputy chief began in 1991 under Abbas al-Musawi’s leadership. Following al-Musawi’s assassination by Israeli forces a year later, Qassem retained his position when Nasrallah took the helm. Known for his more public presence compared to the reclusive Nasrallah, Qassem has often been the face of Hezbollah, attending rallies and giving interviews to foreign journalists.

While Qassem has assumed the role of acting head, his actual authority within the organization is uncertain. Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin who oversees Hezbollah’s political affairs, was widely considered the heir apparent. However, Safieddine has maintained a conspicuous silence since Nasrallah’s demise, neither appearing in public nor issuing any statements.”