IAEA Confirms Undeclared Syrian Reactor Was Near Completion and Secures Hundreds of Tons of Uranium

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified that the reactor being built in Syria’s eastern Deir al-Zor province was “almost completed” before Israeli jets destroyed it in September 2007. “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,” — General Rafael Grossi, IAEA director.

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During Bashar al-Assad’s rule, Syria pursued an undeclared nuclear program that included a reactor—later linked to North Korean assistance—intended to produce plutonium. The site, known as al-Kibar, was bombed by Israel in 2007. After the government change in late 2024, Syrian authorities notified the IAEA of a hidden cache of nuclear material in a July 17 letter and invited inspectors to verify the legacy of the former regime. “Having received the necessary access and information from Syria, the agency has been able to clarify and resolve the agency’s questions concerning the outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria’s past nuclear activities,” — General Rafael Grossi.

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Inspectors documented the material, installed surveillance cameras and placed the uranium under IAEA safeguards.

The Independent

• 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal recovered.

The Independent

• Roughly 55 tons are fuel rods associated with the clandestine reactor project.

The IAEA confirms Syria's military nuclear design

• The material is stored in Syria under IAEA supervision; its final disposition awaits a Syrian government decision.

Arms Control Association

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said the newly discovered nuclear material does not pose an immediate risk and will remain in Syrian custody under IAEA supervision, potentially supporting a peaceful nuclear program.

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The discovery closes a long-standing gap in the agency’s knowledge of Syria’s nuclear activities. By bringing the material under safeguards, the IAEA reduces the risk of diversion to a weapons program, a concern highlighted by nuclear-security expert Logan Mintz of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

The Independent

No substantive, named criticism of the IAEA’s findings or the Syrian government’s cooperation appears in the available sources.

Arms Control Association

• “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 told a press conference, adding that it was "almost completed.” — General Rafael Grossi.

The Jerusalem Post

• “The Agency’s lack of information about these facilities and associated nuclear material and our inability to conduct verification activities at these facilities is a matter of serious proliferation concern. The situation needs to be rectified with the utmost urgency.” — General Rafael Grossi.

The Jerusalem Post

The Syrian government must decide whether to retain the material domestically or transfer it to a third country for safe disposition.

The Independent