Syria’s Destroyed Reactor Capable of Producing Weapons-Grade Material, IAEA Chief Reports

By Francois Murphy

VIENNA, Sept 7 (Reuters) — The nuclear reactor Syria had nearly completed in 2007 before Israeli airstrikes destroyed it was designed to efficiently produce fissile material suitable for nuclear weapons, according to Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

The International Atomic Energy Agency recently characterized its inquiry into clandestine nuclear activities carried out under the Assad family’s rule as a “historic breakthrough.” The investigation revealed approximately 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal, primarily in the form of reactor fuel.

In a report circulated to member states and reviewed by Reuters, the IAEA confirmed its earlier assessment that the bombed site in Syria’s eastern Deir al-Zor province was a nuclear reactor under construction. The report also confirmed that fuel intended for the facility had been manufactured domestically in Syria — activities that should have been reported to the agency at the time.

“This is a reactor that is very efficient in the production of fissile material that could be used directly for the fabrication of nuclear weapons,” Grossi stated during a press conference, noting that the facility was “almost completed.”

“That was a very serious proliferation concern,” he said, while adding that the true intentions of the former authorities “cannot be judged.”

Following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria’s new government has pledged to cooperate with the IAEA to address outstanding questions related to nuclear safeguards — the framework for tracking and verifying nuclear materials.

“Having received the necessary access and information from Syria, … the Agency has been able to clarify and resolve the Agency’s questions concerning the outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria’s past nuclear activities,” Grossi told the IAEA’s 35-member board of governors.

“I welcome Syria’s transparency and cooperation with the Agency which facilitates the resolution of the outstanding safeguards issues related to Syria’s past nuclear activities,” he added.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy)

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