Syria site infrastructure 'consistent with nuclear reactor': IAEA

A confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that a Syrian site possessed infrastructure consistent with a nuclear reactor. This conclusion was drawn after inspections at two sites, one in Deir Ezzor and another related to nuclear material identified by Syria. The cooling infrastructure at the Deir Ezzor site, uncovered by the agency, was found to be consistent with that of a nuclear reactor.

The IAEA emphasized that Syria had failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities under the former leader Bashar al-Assad. The report listed a fuel fabrication plant and a storage location for nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste at the Deir Ezzor site. The agency also confirmed the presence of approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at the site.

Syria's cooperation with the IAEA, including the provision of nuclear material accounting reports and design information, was welcomed by the agency head, Rafael Grossi. The site was previously struck by Israel in 2018, and in 2008, the US accused Syria of attempting to build a secret nuclear reactor, which was reportedly destroyed during the strike.

The IAEA had previously declared the site very likely to have been a nuclear reactor in 2011, suggesting that North Korea may have assisted in its construction.