Rafael Mariano Grossi confirms IAEA inspectors have begun excavating a clandestine nuclear site in Syria's Deir el-Zor province.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has begun excavating a site in Syria's Deir el-Zor province believed to be linked to the former government's clandestine nuclear program. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA director-general, confirmed that the agency is currently conducting comprehensive excavation and exploration at the location. Syria's new government, under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has pledged full cooperation with the UN watchdog. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani stated that the nuclear material discovered at the site will remain in Syrian custody and will be subject to international safeguards. Al-Shibani further noted that Damascus intends to develop a peaceful nuclear program and has the right to use the material for civil purposes. The site was first identified after Israeli airstrikes in 2007 destroyed the facility. While Syria under Bashar Assad was not known to hold operational stockpiles, the new leadership is working to account for the material and integrate it into the international safeguard system.