# Syria nuclear material removal agreement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syria-nuclear-material-removal-agreement
> Updated: 2026-08-18T15:34:38.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 3.

The United States has brokered a trilateral agreement between Syria and Israel to facilitate the removal of nuclear material from a clandestine Syrian facility known as ‘Site 99’. The material, which includes yellowcake remnants from the former Al-Kibar nuclear reactor, is being surrendered to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the Syrian Interim Government.

The agreement follows reports that Israel had monitored the site for two years and threatened military action if the material was not evacuated or if the new Syrian government attempted to access it. While officials noted the material cannot currently be used to manufacture nuclear weapons, they warned of the risk of a ‘dirty bomb’ if the substance were dispersed via conventional explosives.

Following a voluntary disclosure by the current Syrian government regarding the legacy of the former Bashar al-Assad administration, the IAEA has discovered several tons of nuclear materials at an undeclared site. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the materials found are “susceptible to being misused.”

In August 2026, the IAEA began excavating a site in Deir el-Zour linked to the previous regime’s clandestine program. The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has pledged full cooperation with the UN watchdog. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, who facilitated initial access, maintains that the material—which may include uranium ore concentrate—does not pose a danger and will remain in Syrian custody under international safeguards as the nation pursues peaceful nuclear energy.

## Claims

- There are several tons of nuclear material in Syria that could be misused. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The nuclear material does not pose a danger and will remain in Syrian custody under international safeguards. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Syria informed the IAEA in July about large stocks of nuclear material. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The nuclear material includes yellowcake, a uranium ore concentrate. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The new Syrian government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has pledged full cooperation with the IAEA. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- IAEA inspectors have begun excavation at a site in Deir el-Zour linked to a clandestine nuclear program. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Syria grants IAEA access to tons of undeclared nuclear material

The IAEA has begun investigating suspected clandestine nuclear sites in Syria, discovering tons of material that could be misused, as the new government pledges full cooperation with international safeguards.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syria-grants-iaea-access-to-suspected-nuclear-material-from-assad-era

### 2026-08-13: Syria to surrender Assad-era nuclear material to IAEA

Syria's interim government will surrender Assad-era nuclear material, including yellowcake uranium, to the IAEA following a US-brokered deal and threats of Israeli military action.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syria-to-surrender-assad-era-nuclear-material-to-iaea

### 2026-08-10: Syria nuclear material removal deal brokered by US and Israel

The US has brokered a deal between Syria and Israel to allow the IAEA to remove nuclear material from a secret Syrian site known as ‘Site 99’, aiming to prevent regional conflict and ‘dirty bomb’ risks.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-brokers-deal-to-remove-nuclear-materials-from-secret-syrian-site

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Cite as: Syria nuclear material removal agreement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syria-nuclear-material-removal-agreement