Iranian President allegedly brands Israel a "wound" that "must be removed"

Mr Rouhani

Iran's President elect Hassan Rouhani has allegedly called Israel an old "wound" that must be removed". Attending annual Quds day rallies, Mr Rouhani is said to have told reporters: "The Zionist regime is a wound inflicted for years on the body of the Muslim world that must be cleansed", and cast doubt on efforts for Israel to revive peace talks with the Palestinians. However, shortly after quoting Mr Rouhani as saying the remarks - which provoked an outcry - Iranian media has claimed it  mis-quoted the new President and he did not in-fact make the comments. News of the comments had provoked anger from some in the country, with Israel's Prime Minister Benjiamin Netanyahu among those condemning the words, saying: "The true face of Mr Rouhani has been revealed earlier than expected" in a statement.  Mr Rouhani will formally assume the presidency of Iran this weekend after winning elections in June. His words echoed those of outgoing president Mahmound Ahmadinejad who has often questioned Israel's legitimacy. Mr Ahmadinejad accused Israel and its Western supporters of fomenting discord in the Middle East, saying: "It was their dream to see the will of regional countries bent on destroying (Israel) diverted towards civil war".