The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to remove nuclear material from a clandestine site in Syria following diplomatic discussions involving the Trump administration, Syria, and Israel, according to officials from both countries. The agreement aims to secure the material and prevent potential escalation among Israel, Syria, and Turkey regarding the sensitive site.
U.S. officials indicated that this situation supports President Trump's strategy concerning Syria, highlighting the U.S.'s use of its relationship with the new Syrian government to mitigate a potential crisis. The negotiations, which included a series of diplomatic exchanges and threats, remained undisclosed until now.
Historically, the Assad regime had developed a secret nuclear program centered around the Al-Kibar reactor, which was largely destroyed after an Israeli airstrike in 2007. However, several research and storage sites remained, mostly inactive. Following the Assad regime's fall, the IAEA signed an agreement with the new Syrian government, allowing access to the Al-Kibar reactor and related sites.
One facility of interest, referred to as "Site 99," has been under close observation by Israel. According to Israeli officials, the Assad regime had stored nuclear material there, including yellowcake, which can be processed for nuclear fuel. Although the material cannot be used for a nuclear weapon, it poses a risk for use in a dirty bomb, which disperses radioactive material.
Discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials regarding Site 99 have been ongoing for over a year. Israel expressed strong concerns about the presence of nuclear material at the site and indicated that military action could be considered if the material was not removed. Eventually, the U.S. and Israel concluded that engaging the Syrian government would be the most effective strategy for material removal.
Recent monitoring by Israeli officials suggested that the Syrian government might be attempting to access the nuclear material, raising concerns about potential assistance from Turkey. In response, the Trump administration intervened, involving the IAEA in the negotiations. An agreement was reached three weeks ago for the removal of the nuclear material, although the operation is still in progress, and the material has not yet been removed. U.S. officials expressed optimism about the outcome, hoping to initiate the removal process soon.