Archive · 11 Aug 2026
IAEA to remove Syrian nuclear material under US-brokered deal
Syria is a country in the Middle East that used to be ruled by a strict leader named Bashar al-Assad.
He secretly worked on a nuclear programme, which worried other countries.
A long time ago, in 2007, Israel destroyed the main building of that programme.
But some dangerous material was still hidden in a secret place called 'Site 99.'
The material is called 'yellowcake,' a powder made from rocks that could be used to make a 'dirty bomb.'
A dirty bomb does not explode like a normal bomb - it spreads harmful radioactive dust to make an area unsafe.
Now a safety organization called the IAEA will go and take that dangerous material away.
The United States helped Syria, Israel, and the IAEA agree on this plan.
Syria has a new leader named Ahmed al-Sharaa, who wants other countries to trust Syria again.
Removing this material is one way to help keep people safe.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will remove nuclear material, including uranium-derived 'yellowcake,' from Syria's secret 'Site 99' under a deal brokered by the Trump administration.
The material is a remnant of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad's clandestine nuclear programme, most of which Israel destroyed when it bombed the Al-Kibar reactor in 2007.
Yellowcake cannot be used directly to make a nuclear bomb but could be used in a 'dirty bomb' — a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material.
Israel monitored Site 99 for more than two years, reportedly bombed its entrances after Assad's government collapsed, and threatened a strike before Washington pushed for a diplomatic solution.
Syria's Atomic Energy Commission said an IAEA delegation would visit on Tuesday, August 12, to announce 'significant progress,' as President Ahmed al-Sharaa courts the West.
- Who
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Trump administration, Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Israel, and former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
- What
- The IAEA will remove nuclear material, including 'yellowcake,' stored at Syria's secret 'Site 99' under a US-brokered deal between Syria, Israel, and the agency.
- When
- An IAEA delegation is set to visit on Tuesday, August 12; the agreement was signed about three weeks ago, following months of negotiations after Assad's fall in December 2024.
- Where
- 'Site 99,' a secret facility in Syria roughly 450 km northeast of Damascus, linked to the Al-Kibar reactor near Dair al-Zour that Israel bombed in 2007.
- Why
- To prevent regional escalation and remove material that could be used in a 'dirty bomb'; Israel had threatened a strike if the material remained unsecured.
Diplomatic engagement
Caution and military options
Trusting Syria's new leadership
Diplomatic engagement
The Trump administration met President Ahmed al-Sharaa, built a good relationship with him, and brokered a deal with his government to remove the dangerous nuclear material.
Caution and military options
Israel continues to view al-Sharaa with suspicion, particularly over his ties with Turkey, the main backer of the offensive that overthrew the Assad dynasty in late 2024.
How to handle the nuclear material
Diplomatic engagement
Washington pushed for a negotiated solution, with Syria cooperating with the IAEA to secure and remove the material and prevent regional escalation.
Caution and military options
Israel considered attacking the site again, reportedly bombed its entrances after Assad's government collapsed, and threatened a strike if the material was not removed.
- Nuclear watchdog
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- Secret site
- 'Site 99' in Syria, about 450 km northeast of Damascus
- Material involved
- Yellowcake and residue from the Al-Kibar nuclear project
- Main risk
- Could be used in a 'dirty bomb' spreading radioactive contamination
- Deal broker
- Trump administration (United States)
- Parties to the deal
- Syria, Israel, and the IAEA
- Background
- Israel bombed Syria's Al-Kibar reactor near Dair al-Zour in 2007
- Syria's current president
- Ahmed al-Sharaa
