Syria Claims Possession of Nuclear Material Amid Israeli Airstrike Condemnation

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani addressed an unusual Israeli airstrike in Syria on Tuesday, condemning it as a deliberate obstacle to regional security and ongoing understandings. He reiterated Syria's call for an immediate halt to Israeli violations and attacks. Al-Shibani stated that Syria allows the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to a site in Deir ez-Zor, emphasizing that this transparency is a sovereign choice. He affirmed Syria's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the IAEA and underscored Syria's sovereign and legal right to peaceful civilian nuclear energy uses. By acknowledging IAEA access and its nuclear activities, Syria effectively admits to possessing nuclear material.