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, including yellowcake uranium powder, which could be used to produce a dirty bomb. Israel had threatened to bomb the facility if the nuclear material was not removed. The IAEA is expected to begin removing the material from Syria soon.

The diplomatic deal, brokered under the Trump administration, aims to secure the nuclear material and prevent escalation between Israel, Syria, and potentially Turkey. The negotiations, which lasted several months and were kept secret until now, involved close cooperation between the White House National Security Council and its Israeli counterpart. Israeli officials emphasized they would not tolerate leaving the nuclear material at the site and warned of possible military action if Syria attempted to access it again.

The secret site is a remnant of Syria's covert nuclear program centered on the Al-Kibar reactor, which Israel destroyed in 2007. While most of Syria's nuclear infrastructure was dismantled, some research and storage sites remained inactive. After the fall of Assad's regime, the IAEA signed an agreement with the new Syrian government to inspect these sites. Experts note the new Syrian government is motivated to resolve sensitive issues inherited from Assad, including nuclear and chemical weapons, to restore Syria's international standing.

Recently, Israeli and American intelligence detected suspicious activity near Site 99, raising concerns that Syria might be reneging on the agreement. There were also fears that Turkey might be assisting Syria in accessing the nuclear material. The US urged Israel to refrain from military action and involved the IAEA, leading to the current agreement signed three weeks ago. The nuclear material has not yet been removed but is expected to be evacuated before the end of the year. Officials expressed optimism that all parties are satisfied with the outcome.

The White House, IAEA, and Israeli Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the matter.