IAEA set to remove nuclear material from secret Syrian site
00:48, 11/08/2026, TuesdayU: Update: 00:49, 11/08/2026, Tuesday
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The International Atomic Energy Agency is preparing to remove nuclear material from a concealed facility in Syria under an agreement reportedly brokered by the Trump administration. The arrangement involves “Site 99,” where material linked to the former Assad regime’s nuclear program was reportedly stored. The move follows Israeli warnings of further military action if the material remains at the location.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to begin removing nuclear material from a previously undisclosed facility in Syria following a diplomatic arrangement involving Washington and Damascus, Axios reported Monday.
‘Site 99’ at center of agreement
The operation concerns a location identified as “Site 99,” where the former Assad government is reported to have kept nuclear-related material, including yellowcake associated with plans for the Al-Kibar reactor project.
Although the material is not considered suitable for direct use in a nuclear weapon, officials have warned that it could potentially be used in the production of a “dirty bomb,” increasing concerns over its continued presence at the site.
Damascus agrees to removal
The Syrian government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has reportedly accepted the removal of the material following Israeli warnings that further military action could be taken to prevent unauthorized access to the facility.
Israeli forces had previously struck the entrances to the site, seeking to restrict access. Israeli officials have since indicated that another strike could follow if the nuclear material is not removed.
Israel raises concerns over site activity
Israeli officials have also reportedly pointed to what they described as “detected movement” around the facility. According to the report, Israeli authorities suspected that Damascus was taking steps to secure the material at the location.
The developments have added urgency to diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue without another Israeli military operation against the site.
Removal expected to begin soon
US officials said work at the Syrian facility remains underway as preparations continue for the operation. Washington expects the IAEA-led removal process to start “soon” and be completed before the end of the year.
The planned operation would place the nuclear watchdog at the center of efforts to secure and remove sensitive material left from Syria’s former nuclear activities, while addressing Israeli security concerns through a diplomatic mechanism.