Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his recent comments that Israel should be "wiped off the map" reflect Iran's long-standing policy and do not mark a change in its position.
Speaking Sunday in Tehran, Mr. Ahmadinejad said his words were the same ones used by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini nearly 27 years ago.
The president's latest comments, reported by Iran's news agency, follow a string of international condemnations of his remarks against Israel.
On Friday, the United Nations Security Council backed a statement from Secretary-General Kofi Annan warning Iran that threats against another country violate the U.N. charter.
The United States and the European Union said Mr. Ahmadinejad's comments on Israel added to Western fears about what they believe is Iran's quest to develop nuclear weapons.