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Syria nuclear material removal and IAEA investigation update

Updated 11 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-09 15:19 UTC → 2026-09-10 01:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Syria nuclear material removal and IAEA ~~discoveries~~ investigation update

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, reportedly signed in late July 2026, aims to prevent regional escalation involving Israel and potentially Turkey. This 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 undeclared sites. In August 2026, the IAEA began excavating a site in Deir el-Zour linked to the previous regime’s clandestine program. By September 2026, the IAEA confirmed that the former regime had constructed an undeclared nuclear reactor in Deir ez-Zor. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi revealed that this unfinished reactor was configured for the efficient production of material suitable ‘directly for the manufacture of nuclear weapons’. ~~Grossi noted that~~ On September 9, 2026, the ~~facility’s design showed similarities~~ IAEA Board of Governors reached a consensus to close the file regarding Syria’s past failures to meet international nuclear obligations, a ~~reactor in North Korea. During August inspections, officials recovered approximately 73 tons of natural uranium metal~~ process ongoing since 2011. The decision, proposed by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and ~~reactor fuel rods, noting that some materials had been hidden behind walls. As~~ Saudi Arabia, follows expressed satisfaction with the transparency of ~~September 7, 2026, Grossi confirmed~~ Syria’s new authorities. The Board requested that Grossi provide regular updates on the ~~nuclear materials in Syria related to~~ progress of ongoing excavation work at the ~~former regime’s secret reactor program are now under IAEA safeguards and control.~~ Deir ez-Zor facility.

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