U.S. may use Syria nuclear operation as model for Iran – Israeli officials
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States could use a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) operation to remove nuclear material from a site in Syria as a model for extracting highly enriched uranium from Iran, The Jerusalem Post cited Israeli security officials on Wednesday.
An Israeli security official said Iran remained in a tense situation amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, warning that developments could deteriorate within days, weeks or months.
The assessment follows reports that Washington is working to remove components of a nuclear project from Syria. Israeli officials reportedly believe the operation could signal that a similar arrangement might be possible in Iran if Tehran agrees to such a deal.
Israel, meanwhile, continues to prepare for multiple scenarios and maintains that Iran’s government must be significantly weakened. Israeli officials reportedly consider joint military action with the United States the preferred option, while the Israeli military has been instructed to maintain a high level of readiness in coordination with U.S. forces.
The developments come as Washington and Tehran negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz and broader nuclear issues. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said progress had been made in recent talks, while Iran said a framework for an agreement with Oman had been formulated.
Oman described the negotiations as positive and constructive and urged all sides to avoid actions that could undermine progress.
However, the possibility of renewed U.S. strikes against Iran, or an independent Israeli operation, remains under discussion. Washington is also examining options for targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities should diplomatic efforts fail.
The talks are also focused on securing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the flow of oil and gas, according to Vance. The negotiations follow an accusation by the United Arab Emirates that Iran attacked a vessel linked to its national oil company in the strategic waterway.