IAEA to Visit Syria to Announce Significant Progress on Nuclear Material Removal

Syria's Atomic Energy Commission confirmed on Tuesday that a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit the country to declare "significant progress" regarding nuclear material. This announcement officially confirmed reports from Axios that the IAEA plans to remove nuclear material from a secret site within Syrian territory.

According to Israeli and American sources cited by Axios, the IAEA's visit follows diplomatic agreements reached between the Trump administration, Syria, and Israel. These agreements aim to ensure the removal of the nuclear material and prevent escalation involving Israel, Syria, and potentially Turkey concerning the sensitive site.

The background involves Syria's former secret nuclear program centered on the Al-Kibar reactor, which Israel destroyed in 2007. Although most of the program was dismantled, several research and storage sites remained, including "Site 99," which Israeli intelligence monitored closely over the past two years. This site reportedly stored nuclear material, including yellowcake uranium powder and remnants from the Al-Kibar reactor.

While the material at Site 99 cannot be used to produce nuclear weapons, it could be utilized to create a "dirty bomb", a conventional explosive dispersing radioactive material. Israeli forces reportedly bombed the site's entrances shortly after the Assad regime's fall to prevent access. Over a year, the US and Israel coordinated closely on how to handle Site 99, with Israel threatening further strikes if the material was not removed or accessed.

Ultimately, the US and Israel agreed that securing Syrian consent for the removal was the best approach. Syrian officials initially claimed ignorance of the nuclear material's presence. According to American sources, Washington has developed a productive working relationship with Damascus on this issue. Recent suspicious movements at Site 99 raised Israeli concerns that Syria might be reneging on the agreement, possibly with Turkish assistance. The Trump administration urged Israel to refrain from military action and involved the IAEA.

An agreement between the IAEA and Syria to remove the material was signed about three weeks ago. While the removal process has not yet started, officials hope to begin soon and complete it before the end of the year. All parties reportedly view the outcome positively so far.