Report: IAEA to Remove Nuclear Material from Secret Site in Syria Following Israeli Strike Threats

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is preparing to remove nuclear materials from a secret site in Syria, according to a report by Axios, citing Israeli and American officials. The removal follows mediation by the Trump administration and after Israeli threats of attack. The material, including 'yellowcake', was stored at 'Site 99' and was once intended for the Al-Kibar reactor, destroyed in 2007. The material is not suitable for nuclear weapons but could be used for a 'dirty bomb'. Syria agreed to the removal, and the process is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is preparing to soon remove nuclear materials from a secret site in Syria, according to a report today (Monday) by Axios, citing Israeli and American officials. The move comes after a diplomatic breakthrough mediated by the Trump administration, and after Israel threatened to act militarily if the material was not neutralized. According to the report, the operation aims to extract materials from a facility known as 'Site 99', where nuclear materials, including 'yellowcake', were stored, which were once intended for the nuclear reactor project at Al-Kibar, which Israel destroyed in 2007. Although the material is not enriched to a level suitable for producing nuclear weapons, officials warn that hostile actors could exploit it to create a 'dirty bomb'. The Syrian government agreed to allow IAEA inspectors to remove the material, following heavy Israeli pressure. Israel previously attacked the entrances to the facility to block access, and recently made clear it would attack again if the material remained. It was also reported that Israeli officials identified 'suspicious movement' near the site, raising concerns that Damascus was trying to take control of the material, increasing the urgency of the operation. American officials said coordination is underway, and the process of removing the materials is expected to begin 'very soon' and be completed by the end of the year.