Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem as his official representative in Lebanon, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. 

“The leader of the revolution in a decree introduced Sheikh Naim Qassem, secretary general of Hezbollah, as his representative in Lebanon,” Tasnim news agency said.

The decree reportedly assigns Qassem the responsibility of managing religious affairs, overseeing the collection and distribution of religious funds, such as zakat and atonement, and handling other non-litigious matters within Lebanon.

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, mandates that Muslims donate a portion of their income for charitable purposes. As Khamenei’s representative, Qassem will supervise the flow of these funds, further solidifying Iran’s influence over Hezbollah’s financial and religious activities.

Khamenei’s decision to appoint Qassem highlights Iran’s ongoing commitment to maintaining strong ties with Hezbollah, particularly as Lebanon continues to face security challenges. 

Qassem was elected secretary general in October following the deaths of his predecessors in Israeli airstrikes. Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike on southern Beirut on September 27, 2024. Shortly after, Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s designated successor, was also killed in an Israeli attack.