IAEA set to remove nuclear material from Syrian site in US brokered deal - report

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is poised to remove nuclear material from a clandestine site in Syria, following a deal brokered by the US, Syria, and Israel, according to a report by Axios. The agreement was reported on Monday by Axios, citing Israeli and US officials. The IAEA and US administration worked urgently to reach the agreement, which aims to secure the material and avert potential conflict between Israel, Syria, and Turkey, Axios reported.

The site, known for its sensitivity, is located in the Dayr Az Zawr region of northeastern Syria. The agreement validates US President Donald Trump's approach towards Syria, demonstrating his administration's use of close ties with Syria to de-escalate a possible crisis, according to the report. The details of the agreement were kept secret and unreported until a few weeks ago, Axios noted.

The secret nuclear program was developed at the Al-Kibar reactor, a plutonium production facility constructed with North Korean assistance during the Assad regime. Following Assad's ousting, the IAEA engaged with Syria's new administration to inspect the reactor and other nuclear sites. Israel has been monitoring Syria's nuclear facilities, including "Site 99," which US officials believe contained remnants from the al-Kibar program.

Over a year of discussions led to the US and Israel agreeing that the most effective solution would be to obtain the Syrian government's cooperation in removing the material, Axios reported. However, Syrian officials have denied awareness of nuclear material at the site. The US official emphasized that only a limited number of people in the US, Israel, and Syria were aware of the agreement, and added that the new Syrian government proved to be a "good partner" in this new relationship.