US double standards toward Iran, India over nuke issue: Poll

Dubai, Aug 13 (UNI) A recent poll suggests that the US pursues a double standard policy by reacting differently towards Iran and India's nuclear programmes, according to an official Iranian news agency.

Seventy two per cent of some 4067 respondents to an online Press TV poll said US insistence on a nuclear deal with India, and its opposition to Iran's nuclear programme indicated Washington's double standard approach.

Some 22 per cent said the US aimed to extend its influence in India after the collapse of New Delhi's former ally, the Soviet Union.

The poll indicated that a mere 5 per cent believed Washington was trying to pave way for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct inspections of Indian nuclear facilities in an attempt to enforce the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Major world powers accused NPT signatory Iran of pursuing a military nuclear programme and pressurising the UN Security Council to impose three rounds of sanctions on the country.

The US, meanwhile, has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran which has of late raised what it claimed discriminatory approach towards India by the US on the nuclear issue.

UNI XC SKB HS1430