Trump administration reaches secret deals with Syria and Israel to remove nuclear materials

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly secured secret understandings with Syria and Israel to remove nuclear materials stored at a clandestine site in Syria. U.S. and Israeli officials cited by Al-Arabiya indicated that the operation is being coordinated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The primary goal of this operation is to secure the materials, which include yellowcake and other residues from Syria's former nuclear program centered on the Al-Kibar reactor. Israel destroyed the reactor in 2007, but associated research and storage facilities remained. U.S. officials stated that while the material is not suitable for nuclear weapons, it could potentially be used to create a radiological "dirty bomb."

According to U.S. officials, the arrangement highlights Washington's working relationship with Syria's new government and its efforts to mitigate security risks from the country's past nuclear activities. Following the fall of the Assad government, the IAEA gained access to sites like Al-Kibar. One location, referred to as "the site," had been under Israeli surveillance for approximately two years.

Israeli forces reportedly took action to block access to the site after the Assad government's fall. For over a year, U.S. and Israeli officials discussed securing and removing the materials. Israel allegedly warned the U.S. that it would strike the site again if Syria attempted to access the materials or if they were not removed. The situation intensified when Israeli surveillance detected activity near the site, raising concerns about potential Syrian access, with suspicions that Turkey might be involved.