Rafael Grossi reveals Syria's secret Assad-era nuclear reactor was capable of producing fissile material for nuclear weapons

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that a nearly complete nuclear reactor built secretly during the rule of Bashar al-Assad would have been able to produce fissile material for possible use in nuclear weapons. The reactor, located in the eastern Deir ez-Zor province, was built by North Korea and was previously undeclared. During a visit to Syria in August, IAEA inspectors confirmed that the cooling infrastructure at the site was consistent with a nuclear reactor. The agency revealed that the site contained approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal in the form of fuel rods with cladding. Grossi noted that the previous government pursued clandestine activities and failed to report these facilities and materials to the agency. Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the new Syrian government has agreed to cooperate with the IAEA. The agency has been able to clarify and resolve questions concerning outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria's past nuclear activities. Grossi confirmed that the IAEA has installed cameras at the site to ensure the material is under safeguards.

Sources

• Al Jazeera
  Syria’s Assad-era reactor configured for nuclear weapons: IAEA
• The Guardian
  Syrian reactor could have been used for nuclear weapons if completed, UN says
• The Jerusalem Post
  Syrian nuclear site destroyed by IDF in 2007 was useful for weapon production, IAEA chief says

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The Times of Israel
  Secret Syrian nuclear reactor bombed by Israel in 2007 was almost complete, IAEA says
• Reuters
  Syrian nuclear reactor could have been useful for weapons, IAEA chief says