Iran leader vows to put up a fight if needed

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s supreme leader said Monday he would put on military fatigues and fight to the death if his country were attacked – unlike U.S. “warmongers” who he said cower in the rear far from the front lines.

President Bush has said the United States is not preparing to attack Iran, but no option has been ruled out if Tehran does not abandon what Washington views as efforts to build a nuclear bomb. Iran insists its nuclear program is to generate electricity.

In an apparent bid to boost morale in the face of U.S. pressure over the nuclear program, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mocked Washington in a TV speech, saying its leaders keep to the rear in any confrontation.