UN Nuclear Watchdog Ends Syria Probe Into Assad Era Secret Nuclear Activities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its nearly two decade investigation into Syria’s past secret nuclear activities after its 35 member Board of Governors unanimously adopted a resolution closing the case on September 9. The decision follows increased cooperation from Syria’s new authorities, who allowed inspectors access to suspected nuclear sites after Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024.

The investigation centred on a secret reactor at Deir el Zour in eastern Syria that was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in 2007. The IAEA has concluded that the facility was very likely a nuclear reactor and was configured to produce fissile material that could potentially have been used for nuclear weapons. The facility was reportedly built with North Korean assistance during Assad’s rule.

The IAEA Board had declared Syria in breach of its nuclear safeguards obligations in 2011 and referred the matter to the UN Security Council. Syria had previously failed to fully answer the agency’s questions about the reactor and other undeclared nuclear activities.

The latest resolution, proposed by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, terminates the provisions of the 2011 resolution and recognises the cooperation and transparency shown by Syria’s new authorities. The resolution was adopted without opposition, with diplomats saying the closed door vote was followed by applause inside the boardroom.

However, the closure does not mean Syria is free from international nuclear obligations. The resolution stresses that Damascus remains bound by the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty and its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. Syria is also expected to continue cooperating with inspectors, including excavation work at the Deir el Zour site.

Recent inspections produced significant findings. During an August visit, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and senior inspectors examined the former reactor site and other locations linked to fuel fabrication, fuel storage and planned reprocessing activities.

Inspectors also visited a previously undeclared site where they found about 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal, including around 55 tonnes in the form of fuel rods. The material has been placed under IAEA containment and surveillance measures.

The IAEA has said the reactor’s design raised serious proliferation concerns, although the agency has not established the intentions behind its construction. The uranium itself is not directly usable as a nuclear weapon, but it could potentially be processed into material suitable for weapons production.

The IAEA will continue monitoring developments in Syria. Grossi has been asked to keep the Board of Governors informed about ongoing verification and excavation activities, meaning the formal investigation has ended while international safeguards work continues.