His remarks carried by IRNA do not signal any change of policy on Syria but mark a shift of emphasis from comments by other Iranian leaders, which have often stressed Iran’s support for its ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad, and blamed the West and Israel for the rebellion against him.

“Whoever Syrian citizens vote for to rule their country, we’ll agree with it,” Rouhani was quoted as telling commanders of the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

Syria plans a presidential election in 2014, but few in the opposition take the vote seriously or believe it can be held amid the country’s civil war.

Opposition groups say they oppose all negotiation with Assad’s government unless it is aimed at his giving up power.