In the complex landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, recent revelations regarding Syria’s nuclear history have drawn renewed attention to nuclear oversight in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has indicated that, under former President Bashar al-Assad’s administration, Syria failed to report significant nuclear activity—a situation that underscores the ongoing challenges of nuclear transparency. With a new government now in place, there is potential for greater cooperation and oversight that could foster a more secure and stable regional environment.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has confirmed that Syria attempted to construct a nuclear reactor in the eastern province of Deir Az Zor during the presidency of Bashar al-Assad. A confidential report shared with news agencies on Tuesday outlined the findings from the IAEA’s verification efforts, which included visits to multiple sites in Syria in August.
The IAEA’s observations at the Deir Az Zor site revealed cooling infrastructure consistent with a nuclear reactor, prompting the agency to stress the importance of continued monitoring as excavation work progresses. Evidence suggests that Syria may have operated a clandestine nuclear program under al-Assad, including a reactor alleged to have been built with North Korean assistance in Deir Az Zor. The facility came to light after Israel’s airstrikes in 2007, which ultimately destroyed the reactor, after which the Syrian government sealed the site and did not fully respond to inquiries from the IAEA.
In a broader context, it is noted that Israel maintains an undeclared atomic weapons program, making it the sole nation in the Middle East believed to possess nuclear weapons, yet it has neither confirmed nor denied this status.
The shift in power dynamics following al-Assad’s removal in December 2024 has led to improved transparency, with the new Syrian administration facilitating access for IAEA inspectors to suspected former nuclear sites. Following sampling at the Deir Az Zor location in 2024, the agency reported the presence of uranium particles, further validating previous suspicions.
In its latest report, the IAEA disclosed that the former Syrian authorities neglected to report crucial nuclear materials, facilities, and activities. In addition to the reactor, the agency identified a fuel fabrication plant that produced nuclear fuel and another site where waste and uranium scraps were stored. During their visit, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and his inspection team also examined a previously undisclosed site that the new Syrian government notified the agency about. This site has been found to contain approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal, which is now under the IAEA’s containment and surveillance.
The newly established Syrian authorities have expressed a commitment to developing a civilian nuclear energy program, affirming that any nuclear materials discovered will be retained under international safeguards. This proactive stance opens the door for future collaboration with the IAEA, signaling a potential shift toward increased adherence to international nuclear standards.
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