The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that a nuclear reactor built during the rule of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was configured to produce fissile material that could be used in nuclear weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the reactor was "very efficient in the production of fissile material that could be used directly for the fabrication of nuclear weapons." This revelation came after the agency conducted inspections in Syria in August, uncovering evidence of a previously undeclared nuclear program.

Grossi revealed that the IAEA team had to "tear down walls" and navigate "very difficult and narrow passages" to access the nuclear material hidden at the site. The agency confirmed that the cooling infrastructure found at the Deir Az Zor site was consistent with that of a nuclear reactor. The IAEA also noted the presence of a fuel fabrication plant and a storage facility for nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste. The agency emphasized that the material now under its safeguards is crucial for monitoring and preventing potential nuclear proliferation.

The Syrian government, which came to power after the ousting of Assad in 2024, has cooperated with the IAEA by notifying the agency of the existence of a previously undisclosed site. The agency verified the presence of around 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at this site, which could be further processed into plutonium for nuclear weapons. Logan Mintz, a director at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, explained that while natural uranium metal is not directly usable for a nuclear weapon, it could be diverted to a covert weapons program for further processing.

The IAEA has also highlighted that Syria's former government failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities. The agency has been working closely with the new Syrian administration to ensure transparency and compliance with international nuclear safeguards. Grossi emphasized that the agency's role is to monitor the material's location and ensure its safe handling, stating that the Syrian government will decide whether to move or retain the material. The IAEA has installed cameras at the site to maintain continuous oversight.

The IAEA's findings align with previous reports that Syria had an extensive, undeclared nuclear program under Assad, which included a reactor built by North Korea. This program was revealed after an Israeli air strike in 2007 destroyed the facility. Syria later leveled the site and did not fully respond to the IAEA's inquiries. The agency's recent inspections have provided critical insights into the extent of Syria's nuclear activities and the potential risks associated with the material found at the site. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that any nuclear material is under strict safeguards to prevent its misuse.