According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an undeclared Syrian nuclear reactor, which was under construction during the era of former leader Bashar al-Assad, was “nearly finished.” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that building such a reactor is a “very important step” in any nuclear weapons program. The agency reported this on Monday, September 7.
IAEA inspectors visited two sites last month: one in Deir ez-Zor and another at a location disclosed to the agency by Syrian authorities. The IAEA report notes that the previous Syrian government was involved in building a nuclear reactor. Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in December 2023.
IAEA discovers reactor and nuclear materials
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that “it is clear that the previous government carried out a number of clandestine activities”. According to him, the reactor’s technical specifications show it was highly efficient for producing fissile material, which could be used directly for manufacturing nuclear weapons.
Excavation work is currently underway at the reactor site. Rafael Grossi noted that the facility was “nearly finished” and at a very advanced stage of construction. He also said that it is entirely possible, and cannot be ruled out, that the Syrian authorities at the time carried out explosions to hinder a potential investigation.
In addition to the reactor, the IAEA discovered a nuclear fuel production plant where fuel was manufactured for the reactor, as well as a storage site for nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste. The agency’s report mentions approximately 73 tons of natural uranium metal.
Syria’s ties to North Korea and the nuclear file
Rafael Grossi praised Damascus’s “courageous decision” to report the previously undeclared facility. Back in 2011, the IAEA stated that the site in Deir ez-Zor was “very likely” a nuclear reactor. At the time, the agency also reported that available information pointed to possible assistance from North Korea in its construction.
On Monday, Grossi said that the question of further investigating possible ties to North Korea is a matter for the IAEA Board of Governors to decide, and that the agency has not yet received a mandate to do so.
The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to vote this week on a draft resolution to close the Syrian nuclear file. At the same time, the agency will continue to cooperate with Syria to ensure the security of nuclear materials and report on the results of its work.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
