TEHERAN (AFP) - Iran's outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday warned arch-foe Israel that a regional storm was on the way to "uproot" the Jewish state.

"I will inform you with God as my witness, a devastating storm is on the way that will uproot the basis of Zionism," Ahmadinejad told crowds at annual Quds Day rallies.

Israel "has no place in this region", he added ahead of Hassan Rouhani assuming the presidency of the Islamic republic this weekend.