UN Nuclear Watchdog Confirms Secret Reactor and Uranium Stocks in Syria

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed in a confidential report that Syria constructed an undeclared nuclear reactor in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The report states that the cooling infrastructure uncovered at the site is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor. The IAEA further established that the former Syrian authorities failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities as required under the NPT Safeguards Agreement. This secret program included the reactor, a fuel fabrication plant, and a storage site for nuclear material.

Following the removal of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, the new Syrian government granted IAEA inspectors access to suspected sites. During these visits, the agency secured approximately 73 tons of natural uranium metal, including roughly 55 tons of fuel rods with cladding. The IAEA reported that all of this material is now under its containment and surveillance measures. The new Syrian administration has expressed interest in developing a civilian nuclear energy program and stated that any found nuclear material would remain in Syria's custody under international safeguards.

The Deir Ezzor site first became public knowledge after Israel launched air strikes to destroy the facility in 2007 to prevent Syria from developing nuclear weapons. Previous reports from 2011 suggested the reactor shared similarities with a North Korean design. While the IAEA has now resolved its outstanding questions regarding Syria, a separate report noted that no such progress has been made in investigations concerning Iran.