IAEA to Remove Uranium from Syria's Secret Site by Year-End, Axios Reports
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The International Atomic Energy Agency is preparing to remove uranium concentrate from Syria's clandestine 'Object 99' facility by the end of the year, Axios reported. The US brokered the agreement between the IAEA and Syria's new government after Israel warned of possible strikes over fears the material could fall into the hands of third parties.
The Hidden Stockpile
Object 99 contains uranium concentrate left over from the nuclear program pursued under former President Bashar al-Assad. In 2007, Israel bombed a suspected reactor at al-Kibar, but the uranium stockpile remained. The IAEA had been denied access to the site for years amid the civil war, leaving the material unmonitored.
US Mediation and Israeli Pressure
Axios reported that the US facilitated talks between the IAEA and the new Syrian government. Israeli officials repeatedly warned Washington that the uranium could be obtained by Iranian proxies or extremist groups. The Syrian government ultimately agreed to allow the removal under international supervision.
The Removal Operation
The operation aims to transport the uranium concentrate out of Syria by the end of 2026. IAEA inspectors are to oversee the packaging and movement to prevent diversion. Neither the agency nor Syrian authorities have disclosed the final destination of the material.
What's Next
The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to be briefed on the mission in September. It remains unclear whether the security situation in Syria, where clashes between the new government and Assad loyalists continue, will allow the operation to be completed on schedule.
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IAEA to Remove Uranium from Syria's Secret Site by Year-End, Axios Reports
