The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is prepared to extract nuclear material from a hidden facility in Syria after Israel threatened further military action to prevent access to the site and US mediated a deal, Axios reported on Monday.
The report said the new Syrian government, led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, agreed to the removal after a diplomatic breakthrough was facilitated by the US.
The mission targets “Site 99,” where the former Bashar Al-Assad’s regime reportedly stored material, including yellowcake, intended for the Al-Kibar reactor project.
While the material is unsuitable for nuclear weaponry, officials warned it could be utilized to create a “dirty bomb.”
Scoop: U.S. brokers secret deal on clandestine Syrian nuclear site https://t.co/cJL2mgUZrh
— Axios (@axios) August 10, 2026
Israeli forces previously bombed the facility’s entrances to block entry and recently signaled they would strike again if the material remained.
Israeli officials reportedly raised concerns about “detected movement” in the area, believing that the new authorities in Damascus was trying to secure the material.
US officials said the work at the site is ongoing and expect the IAEA removal process to begin “soon” and end before the end of the year, according to Axios.
Source: Axios (edited by Al-Manar)