'Tons' of nuclear materials found at undisclosed Syrian site, IAEA chief says
UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi said Tuesday that his agency had found several "tons of nuclear materials" at a previously undeclared site dating from the rule of Syria's previous authorities. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said the material was not dangerous and that Damascus had the right to keep and use it for peaceful purposes.
Syria has invited the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to visit the country to discuss nuclear materials recently discovered in Syria. The visit, which took place in Deir Ezzor and another location linked to nuclear materials, is part of efforts to resolve outstanding safeguards issues from undeclared activities under the previous regime.
This cooperation aligns with Syria's safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Al-Shibani reaffirmed Syria's commitment to the NPT and its full implementation of safeguards. He emphasized the country's voluntary disclosure of these matters, highlighting transparency as crucial for Syria's role in regional stability and security.
Al-Shibani stated that addressing this legacy from the former regime is part of Syria's broader national efforts, scheduled to begin in December 2024. The IAEA Director General appreciated Syria's initiative for cooperation, noting the country's transparent and comprehensive engagement, including declaring nuclear materials at a previously undeclared site on July 17, 2026.
He also welcomed President Ahmed Al-Shara's support for implementing the agency's verification activities in Syria. Syrian authorities are currently conducting excavation work and inspections in Deir Ezzor province, following the agreed practical steps and timeline with the IAEA. The initial inspection of the declared nuclear materials by the agency is ongoing and will continue until completion.
This step is crucial for placing these materials under agency safeguards while continuing verification activities as agreed under the NPT. Al-Shibani affirmed Syria's sovereign responsibility over all nuclear materials on its territory and its commitment to fulfilling international obligations in line with national interests. Upon completion of inspections and verification, the Director General will submit findings and conclusions to the Board of Governors for consideration at the next session, aiming to resolve outstanding issues.
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