US reaches understandings with Israel, Syria and IAEA on neutralizing secret nuclear site

The Trump administration has reached secret understandings with Israel and Syria, within the framework of the IAEA, to remove nuclear material from a secret site in Syria known as "Site 99." The material, left over from the Assad regime era, includes "yellowcake" and could be used to produce a "dirty bomb." Israel threatened to strike if it was not removed. The agreement was signed three weeks ago, and the evacuation is expected to begin soon.

The Trump administration has reached secret understandings with Israel and Syria, within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to remove nuclear material stored at a secret site in Syria. This was stated by senior American and Israeli officials. The site, known as "Site 99," was used by the Assad regime to store nuclear material left over from the al-Kibar reactor project, including "yellowcake" and other materials. Although it cannot be used to produce a standard nuclear weapon, it could be used to make a "dirty bomb." Israel monitored the site closely, and after Assad's fall, the IDF struck the entrances to prevent access. Israel threatened to strike again if the material was not removed, but a senior American official said Israel was never on the verge of an immediate attack. After prolonged negotiations, it was agreed to remove the material, and the agreement was signed three weeks ago between the IAEA and the Syrian government. The evacuation has not yet begun but is expected to start soon and be completed by the end of the year. The White House, the IAEA, and the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment.