An Iranian independent news website is reporting that a senior commander of Iran�s powerful Revolutionary Guard has been killed in Lebanon

The website � mashreghnews.ir � says Gen. Hassan Shateri was killed by �mercenaries of the Zionist regime,� but provided no details about his death.

Shateri led Guard forces in Lebanon and oversaw Iranian-financed reconstruction projects there.

Iran is a close ally of Syria and the militant group called Hezbollah, which is a powerful player in Lebanon. Tehran provides political and military support to both.

Gen. Ghasem Soleimani, the head of the Guard�s Quds Force, visited Shateri�s family to express his condolences.

The Quds Force oversees external operations of the Guard throughout the world.

Shateri�s funeral will be held on Thursday.

(AP)