Hashem Safieddine is likely to be the successor of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israeli bombs. Safieddine, a prominent figure in Hezbollah, has deep ties to Iran and is a member of the party's powerful decision-making Shura Council. He has been designated as a 'terrorist' by the US and Saudi Arabia. Safieddine has strong religious and family connections to Iran and has appeared openly at political and religious events. He has also shown a fiery rhetoric during the funerals of Hezbollah fighters.