IAEA says Syria built a nuclear reactor in Deir Az Zor under al-Assad
Summary
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Syria attempted to construct a nuclear reactor in the eastern province of Deir Az Zor under ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. The agency's confidential report, seen on Tuesday, details inspections conducted in August and confirms that the uncovered cooling infrastructure is consistent with a nuclear reactor. The site was destroyed by Israeli air strikes in 2007 and later levelled by Syrian authorities. Following al-Assad's removal in December 2024, the new government granted the IAEA access to suspected nuclear sites. The agency verified the presence of around 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at a newly declared site. The report also establishes that the former Syrian authorities failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities.
Key points
- The IAEA confirmed that the cooling infrastructure uncovered in Deir Az Zor is consistent with a nuclear reactor.
- The agency verified the presence of approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at a site notified in July 2024.
- The IAEA listed a fuel fabrication plant and a storage location for nuclear fuel and waste as undeclared facilities.
- The reactor was built by North Korea and destroyed by Israeli air strikes in 2007.
- The new Syrian administration has agreed to allow international safeguards on any nuclear material found in the country.
Timeline
Israeli air strikes destroy the Deir Az Zor reactor.
The new Syrian administration notifies the IAEA of a previously undeclared site.
The IAEA conducts verification work at the Deir Az Zor site and takes samples.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Damascus.
“the former Syrian authorities had failed to report nuclear material, facilities and activities”
Background
Syria was believed to have operated an extensive undeclared nuclear programme under al-Assad.
Why it matters
The discovery of 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal and a reactor under construction raises concerns about regional proliferation.
What's next
The IAEA will continue to monitor the excavation work at the Deir Az Zor site and maintain containment measures on the uranium.