02.09.2026 21:50
In International Atomic Energy Agency reports, it was stated that during the era of Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, efforts were undertaken to build a nuclear reactor near Deir ez-Zor, and that the Assad regime avoided informing the agency about these activities. The report also noted that approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were detected at the site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Syria carried out efforts to build a nuclear reactor during the era of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime.
In confidential reports opened to press access, it was noted that IAEA teams visited various facilities in Syria in August and conducted on-site work.
SECRET NUCLEAR REACTOR PROJECT CONDUCTED DURING ASSAD ERA In a statement by the IAEA, it was stated that field observations in Syria's Deir ez-Zor region identified cooling infrastructure consistent with nuclear reactor infrastructure. The report also noted that approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were found on site, with 55 tons in the form of 8,808 fuel rods and 18 tons consisting of uranium scrap and waste. The IAEA emphasized that the Assad regime had previously avoided reporting this reactor and related nuclear materials to the agency.
The agency stated that the fuel rods were manufactured at a separate facility by the ousted regime, and announced that retrospective inspection files were nearing completion thanks to the access and information provided by the Damascus government. The IAEA reported significant progress in investigations into nuclear activities and uncertainties remaining from the ousted regime era in Syria, and that the Damascus administration has cooperated with full transparency. The agency noted it would continue to monitor activities at the site as excavation work progresses.
"THE REPORT REFLECTS THE LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY IN SYRIA'S WORK WITH THE AGENCY" In a statement, the Chairman of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, Mudar al-Okla, stated that Syria has taken serious and transparent steps to resolve nuclear issues from the past regime era. Al-Okla emphasized that IAEA teams were granted full access to all requested sites and facilities, and necessary documents were provided.
Within the scope of the inspections, it was reported that examinations at the al-Kibar site in Deir ez-Zor and other related facilities were completed, and approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were identified and placed under IAEA safeguards. Al-Okla said, "The IAEA report reflects the level of transparency in Syria's work with the international agency. Securing all nuclear materials and sites is a critical step that reinforces international confidence."
Al-Okla added that Syria's goal for the upcoming period would be to expand the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in areas such as health, energy, food, and water, and to support national development.