Iran Nuclear Watch: Iranians Pledge to Become Suicide Bombers

Iranian women wearing white shrouds indicating their willingness to give their lives to defend their country and Islam, attend a gathering in the south of Tehran Thursday, May 25, 2006. Under a banner showing coffins draped with U.S., Israeli and British flags, more than 150 Iranian men and women pledged to become suicide bombers to defend their country and Islam.

ASSociated Press: Iranians pledge to become suicide bombers

Under a banner showing coffins draped with American, British and Israeli flags, more than 100 Iranian men and women pledged Thursday to become suicide bombers â€” if necessary â€” to defend their country and Islam.

The event, held in a burial area for war dead and martyrs, was similar to others in recent years, with Islamic chants and songs and volunteers donning white coverings to symbolize their willingness to die.

But this gathering â€” coming at a time when many Iranians worry their country could come under attack by the United States or Israel â€” was tailored to send a message of defiance against any possible military action over Iran’s nuclear program.

“The threats from America have swelled our ranks and given us added conviction,” said 27-year-old Margess, who like the other volunteers would only give her first name and used a scarf to cover all but her eyes. “We will stand up against them with our lives.”

No weapons or explosives were displayed, but the ceremony was organized by a shadowy group believed to have links to the Basiji paramilitary group that is backed by Iran’s Islamic regime.

A huge banner used as a backdrop showed flag-covered coffins. And a message â€” in English â€” promised to “damage the U.S. worldwide” in retaliation for any attack on Iran.

Let Flap show them what happens to Iranian women who want to be suicide bombers against the United States, Israel and their allies: