US brokers deal for IAEA to remove nuclear material hidden in Syria

Washington and the Syrian government have agreed to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to remove nuclear material stored at a secret Syrian site, following months of U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at preventing potential escalation involving Israel and Turkey.

Israel destroyed a clandestine Syrian reactor in 2007, but research and development sites tied to Syria's nuclear program remained operational, including a location storing nuclear material designated "Site 99." That material includes yellowcake, a uranium ore powder that can be processed as part of a nuclear fuel cycle. Though unsuitable for weapons use, it could be converted into a radiological dispersal device, raising concerns in Jerusalem.

Senior Israeli and U.S. Officials coordinated on the issue, with Israeli officials warning they would strike the site if the material was not removed. When the Trump administration raised the matter with Syrian officials, they were initially unaware of the site's existence, according to reports. An agreement between the IAEA and Damascus was signed three weeks ago.

"When we work with the Syrians on things - they are good partners," A U.S. Official said. Negotiations accelerated after Israel detected activity near Site 99 weeks ago. Washington requested Israel refrain from military action while facilitating IAEA coordination with Damascus. "We think everybody is happy with the result. Hopefully we will be able to kick off the removal process soon and end it before the end of the year," The official added.

Following Assad's regime's fall in December 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted hundreds of air strikes in Syria over several days, targeting military installations to prevent weapons from reaching hostile actors.

Syria and Russia separately reached an agreement restructuring Moscow's military presence, with Damascus regaining control of civilian facilities at key military bases. Joint Syrian-Russian training centers will replace some Russian installations under the deal, which allows three months for transition.

Israel's defense establishment has identified accelerated Syrian efforts to rebuild its air force, including pilot recruitment and exercises with Russian-made fighter jets. An Israeli security official stated, "We are monitoring developments in Syria and sharing our concerns with the United States," Citing concern over Turkish involvement and potential air defense deployments.