Syria Opens Assad-Era Nuclear Program to UN Probe After IAEA Finds Several Tonnes
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 18
Syria Opens Assad-Era Nuclear Program to UN Probe After IAEA Finds Several Tonnes
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 18
Summary
Several tonnes of nuclear material were found at an undeclared Damascus-linked site, prompting Syria to formally open the Assad-era program to an IAEA investigation.
July 17 marked the new government's voluntary disclosure to the UN watchdog, which Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said was part of addressing nuclear activities inherited from the former regime.
IAEA inspectors visited two locations — Deir ez-Zur and a second site tied to the newly identified material — and Rafael Grossi said the stock could be misused if left unsafeguarded.
The material is not considered dangerous and will remain in Syrian custody under international guarantees, as Damascus says it is cooperating after Assad's fall in late 2024.
The probe revisits a long-running nuclear file linked to Syria's suspected clandestine program, including the Deir ez-Zur reactor site bombed by Israel in 2007.