Ahmadinejad: No place for Israel

Iran's president says there will be no room for Israel in the region after the formation of a Palestinian state.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments reflect his typical anti-Israeli rhetoric.

He drew international condemnation when he said in 2005 that Israel should be "wiped off the map".

He spoke at a ceremony in the Iranian capital Tehran today following nationwide pro-Palestine rallies marking Quds Day.

Quds is the Arabic word for Jerusalem.

The annual demonstration is an occasion for Iranian officials to show their support for Palestinians and condemn Israel.

Ahmadinejad says establishing a Palestinian state should be the first step in the liberation of all of Palestine.

Iran's Islamic leadership is hostile to Israel and backs anti-Israel groups like Palestinian Hamas.