Syria nuclear reactor was almost complete, IAEA says

An undeclared Syrian nuclear reactor being built during Bashar al-Assad's rule was almost complete and represented an important step in any nuclear weapons programme, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Monday.

IAEA inspectors visited two sites in Syria last month: one in Deir Ezzor and a second undisclosed location identified by Syrian authorities.

IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said it was “obvious” that Syria's previous government was pursuing clandestine activities. He said he could not judge intentions, but that the activities were not declared and that the previous authorities “didn't want the world to know what they were doing”.

Grossi said the reactor's configuration and technical features made it efficient in producing fissile material that could be used directly to make nuclear weapons. He said the reactor, which is currently being excavated, was “almost completed” and in a very advanced stage of construction.

He also said it was possible that the former Syrian authorities carried out explosions to hinder an investigation.

Besides the reactor under construction at Deir Ezzor, the IAEA found a fuel fabrication plant where nuclear fuel for the reactor was manufactured, and a location where nuclear fuel as well as uranium scrap and waste were stored. The IAEA report said inspectors found around 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal.

Assad was toppled in December 2024. Grossi praised Damascus's “courageous decision” to report the undisclosed site.

The UN atomic watchdog declared in 2011 that the location was “very likely” to host a nuclear reactor and said its information suggested it was being built with North Korean assistance. Grossi said Monday that it was up to the IAEA board to decide on the Syria file and that he had not been tasked with further investigating alleged links to North Korea.

A draft resolution expected to be submitted to the IAEA board this week proposes closing the Syria nuclear file. Grossi said the agency would continue to work with Syria to keep the material safe and report its findings.