A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged between the United States and Israel after US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack accused Israel of carrying out a military strike in Syria without providing advance warning to Washington. Barrack described the attack as an “unnecessary escalation” and suggested that the strike on the Abu Duhur military base in northern Syria may have been intended to provoke Turkey.

The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, have added another layer of tension to an already complicated situation involving Israel, Turkey, Syria and the United States. Barrack said the Israeli operation could have risked triggering a confrontation with Turkey, which maintains significant influence and military interests in Syria. He warned that such actions could further destabilise the region at a time when Washington is attempting to promote dialogue and prevent a wider conflict.

US envoy raises concern

Barrack said Israel did not provide the expected warning before carrying out the strike this week. According to his assessment, the operation against the Abu Duhur military base could have been aimed at “baiting the Turks” and creating conditions for a possible confrontation.

The remarks are particularly significant because Turkey has expanded its involvement in Syria and has repeatedly expressed concern over Israeli military operations in the country. Ankara has described some of Israel’s recent actions as reckless and has opposed moves that could further complicate Syria’s security situation.

Israel disputes US claim

Israel has rejected Barrack’s account. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had shared intelligence information with authorised US officials before the strike.

Katz strongly criticised the US envoy’s comments, arguing that they contained inaccuracies and did not reflect the position of President Donald Trump’s administration. The Israeli government has also maintained that its military operations in Syria are linked to its security concerns and regional threats.

The disagreement highlights differences within an otherwise close US-Israel relationship over how military activity in Syria should be handled, particularly when Turkish forces and interests are involved.

Turkey’s role in Syria

Turkey has become an important regional player in Syria, particularly since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Ankara has maintained close political and security links with Syria and continues to monitor developments along its southern border.

Israel, meanwhile, has stepped up military operations in Syria and has expanded its military presence in parts of the country’s south. The situation has increased the possibility of an indirect confrontation between Israel and Turkey, despite efforts by Washington to keep tensions under control.

Golan Heights remains disputed

The latest dispute also comes against the backdrop of the long-running controversy over the Golan Heights. Israel captured the territory from Syria during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and later annexed it. The annexation is not recognised under international law.

Barrack has previously described the Golan Heights as occupied territory, making him a notable figure within the Trump administration on the issue. His position has also brought him into disagreement with Israel’s established stance on the territory.

US pushes for de-escalation

The United States has been attempting to facilitate dialogue between Syria and Israel and prevent further military escalation. Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has repeatedly said Damascus does not want a direct conflict with Israel.

However, continuing Israeli strikes, Turkey’s growing role in Syria and competing security interests are making the diplomatic situation increasingly difficult to manage. Barrack’s latest remarks could further expose the differences among the countries involved over how Syria’s fragile security environment should be handled.

The immediate focus will now be on whether Washington can contain the disagreement and prevent further Israeli-Turkish tensions from spilling into a broader regional confrontation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is reportedly preparing to remove nuclear material from a secret Syrian site under an agreement brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump, according to a report by Axios. The material is believed to be remnants of Syria's former nuclear programme under Bashar al-Assad and has raised concerns over the possibility of radioactive material being used in a so-called dirty bomb.

The reported agreement involves the United States, Syria, Israel and the UN nuclear watchdog and is aimed at addressing concerns surrounding nuclear-related material left behind at an undisclosed facility known as “Site 99.”

Nuclear Material at Secret Site

According to the report, the material at Site 99 includes yellowcake, a uranium-bearing powder produced during the processing of uranium ore. Yellowcake itself is not a nuclear weapon, but it can be further processed and enriched for nuclear purposes.

The presence of such material at an inactive Syrian facility has been a longstanding security concern, particularly because of the history of Syria's covert nuclear activities.

The IAEA is expected to oversee the removal of the material as part of the reported arrangement. The move could reduce concerns over the material falling into the hands of groups capable of using radioactive substances for malicious purposes.

Syria's Former Nuclear Programme

Syria's nuclear ambitions came under international scrutiny after Israel destroyed the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor in 2007. The facility, located in eastern Syria, was widely assessed to have been part of a covert nuclear programme.

The Israeli strike severely damaged Syria's suspected nuclear infrastructure. However, according to the reports cited in the development, nuclear-related material remained at other locations.

The discovery and continued presence of such material became an issue of concern following the collapse of the Assad government and the political transition in Syria.

Risk of a Dirty Bomb

One of the concerns surrounding the material is its potential use in a dirty bomb. Unlike a conventional nuclear weapon, a dirty bomb combines conventional explosives with radioactive material. Its primary danger comes from spreading radioactive contamination rather than producing a nuclear explosion.

Experts have long warned that unsecured radioactive material can pose a serious security and public-safety risk, particularly in conflict zones where state institutions and security arrangements may be disrupted.

The reported US-brokered agreement therefore represents an attempt to secure and ultimately remove material that could otherwise remain a potential source of concern.

IAEA Access to Syrian Sites

After Ahmed al-Sharaa's government came to power, the IAEA reportedly reached an understanding with the new Syrian authorities that allowed its inspectors to visit the Al-Kibar reactor and other locations associated with the country's former nuclear programme.

The access has provided the agency with an opportunity to assess sites that were previously difficult to inspect.

Site 99 is reportedly among the locations that attracted particular attention because of the presence of yellowcake. The proposed removal of the material would mark a significant step in efforts to address the unresolved nuclear legacy of the Assad era.

US Role in the Agreement

The United States reportedly played a central role in bringing Syria, Israel and the IAEA together for the arrangement. Negotiations continued for several months amid broader regional tensions.

According to the report, Israel had considered taking military action against the site because of concerns over the nuclear material and uncertainty surrounding Syria's handling of it.

The US-brokered arrangement could therefore help prevent another military escalation while allowing the IAEA to address the material through an international monitoring mechanism.

Syria's Changing Regional Position

The development comes as Syria's new leadership seeks to rebuild relations with Western countries after years of civil war and international isolation.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought greater international engagement as his government attempts to stabilise the country and improve its diplomatic standing. At the same time, Israel continues to closely monitor developments in Syria, particularly because of the country's evolving relationships with regional powers.

If implemented, the reported agreement would remove a sensitive remnant of Syria's former nuclear programme while strengthening international oversight of nuclear-related material in the country.

The IAEA's involvement is expected to remain central to ensuring that the material is safely handled and removed, reducing the risk of proliferation or misuse.

An explosion was reported near a hotel in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday, close to where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during his official visit. The incident prompted an immediate security response, with authorities sealing off surrounding roads and intensifying security across the area.

According to eyewitnesses, multiple explosions were heard, followed by plumes of smoke rising near the hotel precinct. Security personnel quickly cordoned off the location as emergency teams arrived to assess the situation. Officials have not reported any casualties, and the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The explosion occurred while President Macron was visiting Syria, making him the first major European Union leader to travel to Damascus since the removal of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power. The visit has drawn significant international attention amid ongoing political changes in Syria and renewed diplomatic engagement by Western nations.

Security Measures Intensified

Following the explosion, Syrian security agencies imposed strict movement restrictions around the affected area. Roads leading to the hotel and nearby government buildings were closed as bomb disposal units and investigators began examining the site.

Authorities have not indicated whether the explosion was accidental or the result of a targeted attack. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation.

High-Profile Diplomatic Visit

President Macron's visit is viewed as a significant diplomatic milestone, reflecting renewed engagement between Europe and Syria after years of conflict and political isolation.

The French leader is expected to hold discussions with Syria's interim leadership on regional stability, reconstruction efforts, humanitarian assistance and broader Middle East security issues. His visit comes during a period of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Investigation Underway

Officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the source of the explosion and whether it was linked to the President's visit. Security remains on high alert across Damascus as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.