Vienna – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the nuclear reactor Syria was building in the eastern province of Deir al‑Zor before Israeli air strikes in 2007 was a type that could efficiently produce fissile material suitable for nuclear weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told reporters the reactor was “almost completed” and described it as a “very efficient” source of weapon‑usable material.
IAEA Investigation Highlights
In a report to member states, the agency detailed its investigation into secret nuclear activities carried out under the Assad family’s rule. The probe uncovered roughly 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal, primarily in the form of reactor fuel, that had been produced in Syria and should have been declared to the IAEA at the time.
Grossi emphasized that the discovery represents a serious proliferation concern, but he stopped short of assigning intent to the former Syrian authorities, noting that their motivations “cannot be judged” based on the available evidence.
Syria’s New Cooperation
Since the ouster of President Bashar al‑Assad in late 2024, the new Syrian leadership has worked with the IAEA to answer lingering questions about nuclear safeguards – the system used to account for and monitor nuclear material. Grossi said the agency has now received the necessary access and information to clarify and resolve the outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria’s past nuclear activities.
“I welcome Syria’s transparency and cooperation with the Agency, which facilitates the resolution of the outstanding safeguards issues,” Grossi added in a speech to the IAEA’s 35‑nation board.
Implications for Regional Security
The confirmation that the destroyed reactor could have produced weapon‑grade material underscores the importance of robust international monitoring and swift action to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons technology. While the reactor never became operational, its existence highlights the risks posed by clandestine nuclear programs in volatile regions.
U.S. and allied partners have long advocated for a strong, rules‑based international order that deters proliferation and protects the safety of American families and communities worldwide. The IAEA’s findings reinforce the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among nations that share a commitment to peace, security, and the rule of law.
Looking Ahead
With Syria now cooperating with the IAEA, the agency plans to continue monitoring the country’s nuclear activities to ensure full compliance with international safeguards. The transparency demonstrated by Syria’s new authorities offers a hopeful sign that even nations emerging from conflict can align with global non‑proliferation standards.
For now, the IAEA’s investigation serves as a reminder that early detection and decisive action remain essential tools in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and safeguarding the future of the world’s families.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
