Syria facilitates IAEA inspection of newly discovered nuclear materials

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have issued a joint statement regarding nuclear materials discovered in Syria.

According to the statement, Syria invited IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to visit the country and hold talks with Foreign Minister and Expatriates Assad Hassan Al-Shibani. The visit included a site in Deir Ezzor and a second location linked to nuclear materials recently identified by Syria, as part of efforts to resolve outstanding safeguards issues stemming from undeclared activities under the previous regime. This cooperation is within the framework of Syria’s safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Foreign Minister Al-Shibani reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to the NPT and full implementation of its safeguards agreement. He emphasized that Syria had voluntarily informed the IAEA about these matters, reflecting its belief that full transparency is integral to its role as a source of stability and security in the region. He added that addressing this legacy file from the former regime is part of Syria’s broader national efforts, which are set to launch in December 2024.

The IAEA Director General welcomed the Syrian government’s initiative for cooperation, which was demonstrated through transparent and comprehensive engagement with the agency. This included Syria’s declaration on July 17, 2026, regarding nuclear materials at a previously undeclared site recently identified by Syria, as well as the provision of information and access in accordance with the safeguards agreement and practical steps agreed upon by both sides. He also welcomed the support of President Ahmed Al-Shara for the effective implementation of the agency’s verification activities in Syria.

The Director General was briefed on excavation work being carried out by Syria in Deir Ezzor province and inspected features at the site relevant to the agency’s assessment of past nuclear-related activities there.

These activities are being conducted according to the practical steps and timeline agreed between Syria and the IAEA. Syrian authorities indicated that the initial inspection of the declared nuclear materials by the agency is ongoing and will continue until fully completed. This is considered a key step toward placing these materials under agency safeguards, while verification activities continue as agreed and under the NPT safeguards agreement.

Al-Shibani affirmed that Syria exercises sovereign responsibility over all nuclear materials on its territory, that these materials remain under Syrian national custody, and that Syria will continue to fulfill its international obligations in line with its national interests.

Syria and the IAEA have agreed on specific steps, currently being implemented, to enable the agency to address outstanding safeguards issues arising from activities under the previous regime. Upon completion of inspections and verification activities as agreed, the Director General will submit his findings and conclusions to the Board of Governors at the earliest opportunity, for the board’s consideration at its next session, with the aim of fully resolving the outstanding issues.