The strike occurred in Beirut on Friday as part of the
ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has pushed the conflict closer to becoming a
full-scale regional confrontation.
Nilforushan, 58, held a senior position as the deputy
commander for operations in the Revolutionary Guard, overseeing ground forces.
His presence in Lebanon during the strike has raised questions, although his
role in the region highlights Iran’s long-standing support of Hezbollah.
The Tehran Times and other state-run media confirmed his death,
with Iranian officials, including Ahmad Reza Pour Khaghan, deputy head of
Iran’s judiciary, describing him as a "guest to the people of
Lebanon." Khaghan stressed that Iran reserves the right to retaliate under
international law.
Nilforushan’s death adds to the growing list of casualties
within Iran's military leadership as Israel continues its operations against
Hezbollah, which has been heavily involved in the conflict. Iranian support for
Hezbollah has long been a source of tension, with the Guard’s Quds Force arming
and training the militia in Lebanon.
The airstrike marks a significant blow to Iran’s military
presence in the region, coming on the heels of the death of Hamas leader Ismail
Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in Tehran earlier this year.
Both Hezbollah and Iran have vowed retaliation for these
high-profile losses, intensifying concerns of a broader Middle Eastern
war.
