The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Monday that the nuclear reactor constructed during the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was designed to produce material directly usable in atomic weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi disclosed the findings during a press conference in Vienna.
“This is a reactor that is very efficient in the production of fissile material that could be used directly for the fabrication of nuclear weapons,” Grossi stated. His remarks follow a confidential report released last week, in which the UN watchdog revealed it had inspected multiple sites in Syria in August with the cooperation of the country’s new authorities.
Based on its inspection of the Deir Az Zor site, the IAEA confirmed that the uncovered cooling infrastructure is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor. The agency noted it would continue to monitor the location as excavation efforts proceed.
Syria operated an extensive, undeclared nuclear program under Assad, which included the North Korean-built reactor at Deir Az Zor. The facility’s existence only became public after Israeli airstrikes destroyed it in 2007. Syria subsequently leveled the site and has never fully addressed IAEA inquiries regarding the program.
Grossi described the challenges faced by inspectors during their August visit, noting that they had to dismantle walls and navigate narrow passages to access hidden nuclear materials. He described the scene as having “boxes scattered all over the place.”
However, Grossi emphasized that the material is now under IAEA safeguards, with cameras installed by inspectors to ensure monitoring. The agency also cited previous failures by Syrian authorities to declare nuclear materials and facilities, including a fuel fabrication plant and storage areas for uranium scrap and waste.
During the recent mission, inspectors also visited a previously undeclared site. The Syrian administration, comprising the group that ousted Assad in 2024, notified the IAEA of the site’s existence in July and invited inspectors to investigate.
Does the new Syrian administration really have the capacity to maintain these safeguards? I hope the international community keeps a close watch.
Imagine building a hidden nuclear reactor and then just leaving boxes of materials scattered everywhere. Terrible cover-up planning.
This confirms long-held suspicions. Transparency is a slow process, but accountability finally seems to be arriving in Syria.