The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Syria was constructing an undeclared nuclear reactor at Deir al-Zor under former President Bashar al-Assad, according to published reports.
The U.N. nuclear watchdog said in a report viewed by some news outlets such as Al Jazeera its inspectors verified that cooling infrastructure uncovered at the site is consistent with a nuclear reactor. Israel destroyed the facility in a 2007 airstrike after years of international suspicions about its purpose.
At press time, Exchange Monitor was not able to independently verify the outlet’s reporting, although ABC News posted a similar news report.
The IAEA also confirmed that Syria failed to declare nuclear material and facilities associated with the reactor, including a fuel fabrication plant and storage locations. The agency said the project received North Korean assistance.
Separately, Syrian authorities disclosed a previously undeclared site containing about 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal, including material in fuel-rod form. The material is now subject to IAEA containment and surveillance measures.
The findings follow the fall of the Assad government in 2024, after which Syria’s new authorities granted the IAEA expanded access and pledged greater transparency over the country’s nuclear activities.