Tehran, Iran ? 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 – if necessary – 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 – coming at a time when many Iranians worry their country could come under attack by the United States or Israel – was tailored to send a message of defiance against any possible military action over Iran’s nuclear program.

The ceremony was organized by a shadowy group believed to have links to the Basiji paramilitary group backed by Iran’s Islamic regime.