International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi Engages U.S. and Syrian Officials on Nuclear Safeguards and New ATLAS Initiative

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi met U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington, D.C., to discuss nuclear non-proliferation challenges, including Iran and the agency’s forthcoming ATLAS programme. ATLAS is intended to support the deployment of civil nuclear applications at sea, such as nuclear-powered ships and floating power plants for remote communities and industry. The same visit included a joint press conference in Syria on August 18, where Grossi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani announced that the IAEA had discovered and collected nuclear material on Syrian soil.

The Jerusalem Post

Following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria’s new authorities pledged cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog to address the legacy of nuclear activities undertaken during the Assad family’s rule. While Syria is not known to maintain operational stockpiles for a weapons programme, Israel bombed a suspected Syrian reactor in Deir Ezzor in 2007. Grossi’s access to the Syrian site was granted after the Syrian government formally notified the IAEA.

The Jerusalem Post

Grossi highlighted that the IAEA’s work in Syria demonstrates the agency’s capacity to secure legacy material and underscored ATLAS as a forward-looking effort to expand peaceful nuclear technology in maritime contexts.

The Jerusalem Post

• “We will provide the necessary conditions for handling nuclear materials and storing them safely,” — Shaibani

The Jerusalem Post

The ATLAS initiative is slated for launch later in 2026, with details to be outlined by the IAEA. Grossi, also a candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position, is expected to continue advocating for expanded civil nuclear applications while maintaining dialogue with U.S. and regional partners on non-proliferation concerns.

The Jerusalem Post