Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's acting leader following the assassination of both the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah and his likely successor Hashem Safieddine, has fled Lebanon for Iran due to concerns for his safety, Israeli media reported. 

The reports claim that Qassem left Lebanon on October 5, fearing he could be targeted for assassination.

In a related report, UAE-based Erem News outlet, citing a knowledgeable Iranian source, stated that Qassem’s move to Iran was ordered by high-ranking Iranian officials. The source explained that the decision was made out of fear that Qassem could be assassinated. According to this report, Qassem left Beirut on an Iranian plane, accompanied by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The flight first landed in Syria, where Araghchi had official business, before continuing on to Tehran.

Qassem has delivered three speeches since the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. While the first was recorded in Beirut, the second and third were delivered in Tehran, the source noted.