Syria Confirms Historic Agreement to Remove Nuclear Material from Secret Site

Syria's Atomic Energy Authority has officially confirmed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to remove nuclear material stored at a secret site in the country. The agreement, brokered by the Trump administration and involving Israel, aims to clear Syria of nuclear remnants from the Assad regime, which collapsed in December 2024. The site, known as "Site 99," held materials including yellowcake uranium and other nuclear substances from Syria's former nuclear program.

American officials clarified that the material cannot be used to produce a standard nuclear weapon but could be utilized to create a dirty bomb dispersing radioactive material. Israel closely monitored the site and insisted to the U.S. that the material not remain there. Following Assad's fall, the Israeli Defense Forces struck the site's entrances to prevent access, and for over a year, Israel and the U.S. discussed how to handle the situation.

In the coming days, an IAEA delegation is expected to arrive in Damascus to oversee the removal process. The Syrian Atomic Energy Authority stated that Syria continues transparent and close cooperation with the IAEA, the U.S., and friendly countries to address the legacy of the previous regime. A joint announcement on significant progress in Syria's nuclear disarmament efforts is anticipated during the visit.