Iranians split on nuclear program

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- About two-thirds of Iranians say their country should give up nuclear development ambitions if sanctions are lifted, a poll released Tuesday reported.

But two-thirds want Iran to continue its uranium enrichment program for now, WorldPublicOpinion.org said. Half of those said they would be willing to allow international inspectors at Iran's enrichment facilities in exchange for the end of economic sanctions.

A majority said the sanctions are having a negative impact in Iran.

"Though most Iranians are feeling the bite of economic sanctions and expect them to tighten, only a third are willing to negotiate away the right to enrich uranium," WPO director Steven Kull said. "However, two-thirds are willing to make a deal that would preclude the development of nuclear weapons."

The government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists the Iranian nuclear program is solely for the development of nuclear power.

The organization polled 1,003 Iranians by telephone from outside the country between Aug. 27 and Sept. 10. The poll has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.