Iran Curtails Hezbollah Leader's Powers After Tunnel Complex Failure

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has significantly curtailed the powers of Hezbollah Secretary-General Na'im Qassem following the destruction of a major tunnel complex at Ali Taher mountain, according to a report in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Watan. A senior IRGC official, Hossein Ta'eb, conveyed Tehran's deep dissatisfaction with Qassem's performance to him, citing operational failures and the recent escalation in southern Lebanon as key reasons.

The destruction of the extensive underground facility, which reportedly served as a command center and weapons depot, is described as a severe strategic blow to Hezbollah. In response, Qassem's authority over sensitive matters has been reduced, and IRGC official Ali al-Abbas has been appointed to play a central role in decision-making for the organization.

Western diplomatic sources cited in the report suggest that Ta'eb views Qassem as unable to fill the leadership void left by Hassan Nasrallah. The move signifies Iran's increased direct control over Hezbollah's operations, with the IRGC deploying around 100 officers to Lebanon after the end of 2024 to oversee training, rearmament, and the development of a more decentralized fighting force.

This development reflects Iran's view of Hezbollah's arsenal and infrastructure as a fundamental component of its regional deterrence strategy, rather than an internal Lebanese affair. The appointment of figures like al-Abbas to have decisive input indicates Iran's intention to take direct command, moving away from relying solely on Hezbollah's leadership judgment.