U.S. Moves to Secure Remaining Nuclear Material at Syria’s Al-Kibar Site
The United States, Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have reportedly reached an agreement to remove remaining yellowcake uranium from the former nuclear facility at al-Kibar in eastern Syria.
The site was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in 2007. Israel reportedly targeted the area again in December 2024, amid concerns that Syria’s new authorities could gain access to the site and any remaining nuclear-related material.
Under the reported arrangement, the remaining nuclear material will be removed under IAEA supervision, with Washington playing a key mediating role.
The move is being presented as an effort to reduce the risk of a confrontation between Israel and Syria, particularly as tensions could potentially draw Turkey into a wider regional crisis
According to this interpretation, the United States is effectively taking responsibility for securing and removing the remaining uranium, addressing a major Israeli security concern and preventing the material from falling under the control of Syria’s new authorities.
The development could mark another step in Washington’s expanding role in Syria’s security architecture, while also reflecting Israel’s continued efforts to prevent any revival of Syria’s former nuclear capabilities.