IAEA to remove nuclear material from secret Syrian site after US-brokered deal

The International Atomic Energy Agency is preparing to remove nuclear material from a secret site in Syria linked to the country's former nuclear program, following a diplomatic agreement brokered by the United States between Syria and Israel. The deal, signed about three weeks ago, aims to secure the material and prevent a potential regional escalation.

The site, identified as "Site 99," is one of several locations associated with the clandestine nuclear program of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. The program was centered on the Al-Kibar reactor near Dair al-Zour, which Israel destroyed in a 2007 airstrike. The IAEA subsequently assessed the destroyed facility was very likely an undeclared nuclear reactor. While much of the suspected infrastructure was destroyed, other research, storage, and related facilities remained.

According to officials, Site 99 stored nuclear material from the Al-Kibar project, including yellowcake, a uranium-ore concentrate that can be processed as part of the nuclear fuel cycle. Other residue and material from the project were also reportedly stored there. The material is not believed to be directly usable for a nuclear weapon, but...