US and IAEA to Remove Nuclear Material From Secret Syrian Site After Diplomatic Deal

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to remove nuclear material stored at a secret site in Syria following a diplomatic agreement reached between the Trump administration, Syria, and Israel. According to an Axios report citing Israeli and American sources, Washington and the IAEA worked to secure the material and prevent escalation involving Israel, Syria, and possibly Turkey around the sensitive location.

Behind the scenes, months of secretive diplomatic negotiations and threats culminated in a resolution a few weeks ago. The Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad had developed a covert nuclear program centered on the Al-Kibar reactor, which Israel destroyed in 2007. Although most of the program was dismantled, some research and storage sites remained, including "Site 99," where Assad's regime reportedly stored yellowcake uranium and other remnants from Al-Kibar.

Israeli officials closely monitored Site 99 over the past two years, fearing the material could be used to create a dirty bomb. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed the site’s entrances shortly after Assad’s fall to prevent access. Israel made clear to the Trump administration it would not tolerate nuclear material remaining there and threatened further strikes if Syria attempted to access it.

Ultimately, the US and Israel agreed the best approach was to obtain Syria’s consent for removal. The new Syrian government under Ahmad al-Sharaa, seeking to resolve sensitive legacy issues including nuclear and chemical weapons, cooperated with the IAEA. Despite initial Syrian claims of ignorance about the material, a productive working relationship developed between Washington and Damascus.

Recently, suspicious activity at Site 99 raised Israeli and American concerns that Syria might be reneging on the deal, possibly with Turkish assistance. The Trump administration urged Israel to hold back and involved the IAEA, resulting in an agreement signed three weeks ago for the nuclear material’s removal. The process is ongoing, with hopes to complete it by year-end. The White House, IAEA, and Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the report.