IAEA says Syria built a nuclear reactor in Deir Az Zor under al-Assad
Summary
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that Syria attempted to build a nuclear reactor in Deir Az Zor under President Bashar al-Assad. After President al-Assad was removed in December 2024, the new Syrian government allowed IAEA inspectors to visit nuclear sites, revealing undeclared nuclear materials and activities.Key Facts
- The IAEA visited several suspected nuclear sites in Syria in August 2024.
- The site in Deir Az Zor has cooling infrastructure consistent with a nuclear reactor.
- Syria had an undeclared nuclear program reportedly supported by North Korea, including a reactor destroyed by Israeli air strikes in 2007.
- The IAEA found uranium particles at the Deir Az Zor site during 2024 inspections.
- Syrian officials did not fully disclose nuclear materials, facilities, or activities to the IAEA before.
- The new Syrian government informed the IAEA about a previously unknown site containing 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal.
- All nuclear materials discovered are now under IAEA containment and surveillance.
- Syria expressed interest in developing civilian nuclear energy under international safeguards.
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