Syria is expected to host a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming days, with Damascus foreshadowing announcements of significant nuclear progress. The Atomic Energy Commission of Syria announced the upcoming visit without providing further details. Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria's new leadership committed to working with the United Nations nuclear watchdog to clarify pending issues tied to nuclear activities during decades of Assad family rule.
Deir al-Zor facility and uranium traces
No evidence indicates Syria holds active stockpiles of nuclear material for a weapons program. However, Israel bombed a facility in the eastern province of Deir al-Zor in 2007, which it considered a nuclear reactor under construction. Last year, the IAEA announced that investigations revealed uranium traces at one of three unnamed sites reportedly operationally linked to the Deir al-Zor location.
In June, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency intended to conduct additional investigations in the region once conditions allowed. He stated the goal was to achieve full clarity regarding past Syrian nuclear activities.
Secret nuclear material and international talks
Axios reported on Monday, citing US and Israeli officials, that the IAEA will soon remove nuclear material kept at a secret location in Syria. According to the publication, the development follows consultations by the administration of US President Donald Trump with both Damascus and Israel. Syrian authorities have not confirmed any agreement to remove the material.
A Syrian official with knowledge of the talks told Reuters that consultations with the IAEA regarding the full nuclear file remain ongoing and no final agreement has been reached. The official added that discussions are underway to create an international support team to coordinate technical and legal assistance. Damascus is consulting with the IAEA to fulfill its obligations, and the official rejected reports of Israeli involvement, saying Israel has no role in the process.
