[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Syria nuclear material removal agreement

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-18 16:26 UTC → 2026-08-18 18:01 UTC · added removed

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.” This discovery follows an official letter sent by Damascus on July 17. An IAEA team subsequently visited In August 2026, the facility IAEA began excavating a site in Deir el-Zour linked to collect samples and assess the situation. previous regime’s clandestine program. The current new Syrian leadership, represented government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has pledged full cooperation with the UN watchdog. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, who facilitated this access to address inherited nuclear concerns from initial access, maintains that the previous regime, which was overthrown material—which may include uranium ore concentrate—does not pose a danger and will remain in December 2024. Syrian custody under international safeguards as the nation pursues peaceful nuclear energy.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-18 18:01 UTC Syria nuclear material removal agreement
  2. 2026-08-18 16:26 UTC Syria nuclear material removal agreement
  3. 2026-08-15 10:30 UTC Syria nuclear material removal agreement

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.