He Gave His Life to the Skies: IRGC Commander Mansour Safarpoor Martyred in Israeli Strike Days Before Retirement

According to Saed News, Brigadier General Mansour Safarpoor, a senior commander in the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), devoted decades of his life to defending Iran’s airspace and ultimately gave his life in service to his country. He was martyred in the early hours of June 16 during a missile strike by the Zionist regime on the IRGC Aerospace building. Alongside his commander, Martyr Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and other comrades, he attained what was described as the ultimate reward for 30 years of dedication.

General Safarpoor was known for his unwavering presence at work, seldom seen at home. However, during his brief moments with family, he gave his full warmth and affection to his children. His wife, Mrs. Narges Barani, described him as compassionate and generous, always attentive to the needs of his children during his limited time with them. She, a patient and steadfast partner, now bears the responsibility of guiding their children along the path their father once walked.

Mrs. Barani said, “He always told the children to pray that he would become a martyr—this phrase was well known to them.” She recalled how deeply he loved his work: “Most of our life was intertwined with his job. He used to say that if you’re not passionate about your work, you cannot continue on this path.”

Holding back tears, she added, “He was supposed to retire at the end of July, just these days, but he said, ‘Commander Hajizadeh told me I must stay.’ He was right. During our 30 years of service, there was no major conflict in the country. It wouldn’t have been right to leave when war came.”

Regarding the day of his martyrdom, she recounted, “General Safarpoor was martyred in the first missile strike on the Aerospace building. In the days leading up to the war, we hardly saw him as he was constantly at work. Our only hope was Fridays at noon when he came home for a few hours. When the Zionist regime attacked, I was in Shiraz and learned of it through my brother-in-law.”

Mrs. Barani also remembered her husband’s emotional reaction to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani: “I remember when the TV announced Haj Qassem’s martyrdom, we were in Shiraz. Mansour cried so much that I couldn’t believe it. That very night, he was put on alert and went to Tehran.”

She continued, “Israel must not think they have won this war. They cannot stop us by killing our commanders. Having lived with such a commander, I know these men never allow anyone to violate their country and people. They love their country and fight and give their lives for its defense.”

Shapour Safarpoor, the martyr’s brother, praised the general’s wisdom, perseverance, creativity, and sincere dedication in comments to Mehr News Agency. He stated, “Martyr Safarpoor served in various regions of the country from 1994 until the moment of his martyrdom, within the IRGC Aerospace Division, overseeing operations with full mastery. All of this demonstrates his competence and visionary thinking.”

He added, “My brother sacrificed his life, comfort, health, and family for defending this land. Our relationship went beyond a brotherly bond. He never spoke about his job, rank, or what he did. Now that people come from all over the country to offer condolences and speak of his character, we understand him better.”

Shapour Safarpoor concluded, “My brother always put the defense of this land above his own life and family. We realized this late, but now we are proud of our martyr.” Addressing the capabilities of the Zionist regime, he said, “Israel, armed to the teeth, is not only a proxy for America but also for countries like the UK. They try to arm it and use it to harm us. However, unknown soldiers like Martyr Safarpoor and his comrades have neutralized these threats, safeguarding the security of our country.”