Iranian Students Plot Anti-U.S. Suicide Attacks

Feb. 20, 2006 — -- A group of potential suicide bombers in Tehran warned the United States and Britain it will attack coalition military bases in Iraq if there is a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.

An Iranian group calling itself Esteshadion, which translates as "Martyrdom Seekers," hopes to sign up thousands of potential bombers.

As they gather in Tehran at Khajeh Nasir University, these students aren't studying the subtleties of history or science, they're learning about suicide bombings.

The students study videos showing suicide attacks around the Middle East and listen to lectures from a former Revolutionary Guard member who praises the use of suicide bombers.

"Their possible attacks to [nuclear facilities of Iran] will not certainly be a ground attack -- that would be, a missile attack -- but they should know that they have interests in some sensitive areas which can be targeted by our suicide attackers," said Muhammad Ali Samadi, one of the movement's leaders, speaking in Farsi.

Samadi claims to have trained 1,000 students already.

At the meeting over the weekend, more than 200 people gathered and 50 signed up.

"For example, if some day it's necessary to attend such operations, I will definitely do that," said university student Ahmed Salehi. "I will attack the one who have attacked us."

But another student said he had no interest in signing up, he just wanted to hear what the group had to say.

Esteshadion was formed in late 2004, calling for members on a sporadic basis at Friday prayer ceremonies, state-sponsored rallies and at the group's occasional meetings.

ABC News' Dave Kerley contributed to this report.