Shimon Peres

Israel's Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who said Israel should be wiped off the map, must know that Iran can also be destroyed.

Mr. Peres told the Reuters News Agency that Israel would defend itself under any condition.

He said Iran is not just a threat to Israel, but a danger to the whole world. He warned of a world arms race if Iran builds a nuclear weapon, saying some bombs could fall into the hands of terrorists.

Mr. Peres also said Iran's defiance is making a mockery of the world. He called on the the United Nations Security Council to act or face endangering an important world body.