The United States will likely have to allow some Iranian uranium enrichment in order to ink a nuclear deal, likely resulting in Saudi Arabia seeking similar provisions for a civilian nuclear program. But U.S. concerns over proliferation will result in a continued impasse in talks with Riyadh and constrain the kingdom's energy diversification efforts. On April 26, the United States and Iran held their third round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman. The talks came amid some uncertainty regarding the United States' position on whether Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium and, if so, to what level. Previously, in public comments made toward the start of negotiations, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated a possibility that Iran could be allowed limited uranium enrichment up to 3.67%, the level of enriched uranium needed for a civilian nuclear energy program. However, he later called for the complete dismantling of Iran's uranium enrichment...
