Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he envisions the emergence of a "new" Middle East, without the influence of the U.S., Israel and their allies.
Iran's state-run media quotes the president as saying his country and regional nations are dissatisfied with what he called the "colonialist and arrogant" plans of the U.S. and its partners.
He commented on Wednesday during a visit to the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province. He made the remarks after directly criticizing U.S. President Barack Obama's administration earlier this month for "interference" in Mideast affairs.
During Wednesday's speech, Mr. Ahmadinejad launched continued harsh criticism toward Israel. He said Tehran would never recognize the Israeli government on what he called "Palestinian soil."
Iranian leaders have repeatedly called for the demise of Israel.