US, Israel, Syria, and IAEA Agree to Neutralize Secret Syrian Nuclear Site

The United States has reached a confidential agreement with Israel, Syria, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to neutralize a secret nuclear site in Syria known as "Site 99," which dates back to the Assad regime. According to senior American officials, the site stored nuclear materials capable of producing a "dirty bomb." Israel had threatened to bomb the facility if the nuclear material was not removed. The IAEA is set to begin the removal process soon.

The diplomatic accord was brokered under the Trump administration, aiming to secure the nuclear material and prevent escalation between Israel, Syria, and potentially Turkey. The negotiations, which lasted several months and remained undisclosed until now, highlight the effectiveness of US diplomacy and its close relations with Syria's new government. After the 2007 Israeli airstrike destroyed Syria's main nuclear reactor at Al-Kibar, some research and storage sites remained, including Site 99.

Site 99 reportedly contains yellowcake uranium and other nuclear remnants from the Al-Kibar project. While the materials cannot produce a standard nuclear weapon, they could be used to create a dirty bomb, dispersing radioactive contamination. Israel had previously bombed the site's entrances to prevent access and warned it would strike again if Syria attempted to access the materials or failed to remove them.

US and Israeli officials worked closely through their national security councils to determine the best approach. Israel insisted the material not remain at the site, and although it threatened military action, it never planned an immediate strike. The US engaged Syria's new government, which claimed ignorance of the nuclear material's presence. The US has developed a cooperative relationship with Syria on sensitive issues, including nuclear and chemical weapons legacies.

Recently, Israel detected suspicious activity near Site 99, raising concerns that Syria might be reneging on the agreement, possibly with Turkish assistance. The US urged Israel to refrain from military action and involved the IAEA, leading to a formal agreement signed three weeks ago for the nuclear material's removal. The extraction process has not yet started but is expected to begin soon and conclude by the end of the year. Officials expressed satisfaction with the outcome and hope for a smooth completion.