IAEA probes uranium traces in Syria amid renewed cooperation
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that it has discovered traces of uranium in Syria during an ongoing investigation into a site destroyed by Israel in 2007, which the agency has long suspected was an undeclared nuclear reactor.
According to a confidential report seen by Reuters, the IAEA collected environmental samples in 2024 at three locations allegedly linked to the Deir al-Zor site.
The report revealed “a significant number of natural uranium particles” of anthropogenic origin, indicating they were processed chemically.
The report noted that the uranium was not enriched and did not provide a conclusion on its significance.
The current Syrian transitional government said they had “no information” explaining the presence of the particles but granted the IAEA renewed access to one site in June.
The IAEA said it will continue evaluating the environmental samples and hopes the process will lead to resolving outstanding questions about Syria’s nuclear past.
In June, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi met with Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who pledged full cooperation and transparency to clarify Syria’s past nuclear activities.
Grossi requested access to Deir ez-Zor itself in the coming months to review documentation and interview those involved.
In 2011, the IAEA concluded the facility, located in Deir ez-Zor desert, was “very likely” a covert reactor that the former Syrian government had failed to declare.
In September 2007, Israel carried out an airstrike on the site in Deir ez-Zor claiming it was a nearly completed nuclear reactor being built with North Korean assistance. The then Syrian government denied the allegation, insisting the building was a military facility. The IAEA investigation has remained open since, with repeated calls for Syrian cooperation.