IAEA Finds 73 Tons of Uranium at Syria's Former Nuclear Reactor Site

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the former Syrian regime constructed a nuclear reactor in the Deir ez-Zor province, which was subsequently destroyed by an Israeli strike. IAEA inspectors discovered cooling systems at the site consistent with those of a nuclear reactor and have located 73 tons of uranium, including 55 tons of reactor fuel rods and the remainder as uranium scrap. The agency stated that Syria's previous government failed to report its nuclear development activities.

The IAEA praised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for allowing inspectors access to the suspect site. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited the reactor in August. Earlier in August, journalist Barak Ravid reported that the United States had prevented an Israeli strike on a secret Syrian nuclear facility known as "Site 99." Sources indicated that under the Assad regime, this site stored materials from Syria's nuclear program and the Al-Kibar reactor project, destroyed by Israel in 2007.

Materials found at "Site 99" included yellowcake, a natural uranium concentrate. According to a U.S. official interviewed by Ravid, these materials are not suitable for creating nuclear weapons but could be used for a "dirty bomb." Following the fall of the Assad regime, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck entrances to the facility to restrict access.

In recent months, Israel had demanded the removal of the nuclear materials, warning of further strikes if suspicious activity was detected, according to Ravid's sources. However, under U.S. pressure, Israel reportedly abandoned this plan. On August 18, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem stated that the nuclear materials would remain in Syria under IAEA supervision, affirming Syria's right to peaceful nuclear energy.