Iran's Strategic Interests in Syria: Phosphates, Oil, and Hamas

Documents suggest that Iran is interested in importing 800,000 tons of phosphate from Syria, which can be used as a source of uranium for its nuclear program. The Iranian Atomic Energy Agency has requested that the government cover the cost of the imports. Iran may be resorting to unconventional sources, such as phosphate, to extract uranium due to international sanctions. Iran is believed to have enough fissile material for five nuclear bombs and holds stockpiles of uranium enriched to 20% and 60% in violation of the 2015 accord limiting its nuclear program. Talks to reinstate the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers have been stalled since last year as Iran forges ahead with its nuclear ambitions.