A Discovery That Changes the Nuclear Narrative in the Middle East
In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, an Argentine diplomat, revealed that Syria's new authorities had notified the UN agency about the discovery of several tons of natural uranium at a site never declared by the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad. Grossi praised Damascus's decision as a 'courageous choice' that opens a new chapter in international nuclear transparency.
According to reports from DW and the Argentinian news agency NA, IAEA experts received authorization from the Syrian government to access the undisclosed location, where they confirmed the presence of the nuclear material. Following investigations, the material was deemed non-hazardous and will remain under Syrian custody, subject to IAEA safeguards.
A Historic Visit to Deir Ezzor
During a joint press conference in Damascus, Grossi confirmed he had visited the nuclear facilities at Deir Ezzor, in northeastern Syria—becoming the first IAEA Director General to access the site in 18 years. 'We have visited a location where large quantities of graphite are stored, also linked to past nuclear activities in Deir Ezzor,' Grossi shared on his social media channels.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reaffirmed Syria's 'sovereign and legal right' to the peaceful civilian use of nuclear energy. 'Syria confirms, based on a series of technical assessments, that these materials pose no threat and will remain under Syrian national safeguards, subject to the agency's supervision,' the minister stated.
The Al Kibar Reactor Legacy
The case dates back to an undeclared reactor that Syria reportedly built with North Korean assistance at Deir Ezzor, which was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in 2007. In 2011, the IAEA determined that Damascus was in non-compliance with its obligations—an issue Bashar al-Assad never resolved.
In 2024, the then-president explored cooperation avenues with Grossi. It wasn't until June 2025, after Grossi met with current Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, that the IAEA received immediate and unrestricted access to relevant locations. Environmental sampling revealed traces of processed natural uranium at one of the facilities.
Cooperation and Future of Syria's Nuclear Program
Al-Shaibani explained that his meeting with Grossi—their second in five weeks—reflects the evolution of the new Syria's relationship with the IAEA, from resolving outstanding issues to building a genuine partnership. The cooperation process began in early 2025 and has included on-site visits, environmental sampling, memoranda of understanding in health and agricultural sectors, and a financing mechanism provided by the agency.
Grossi emphasized that 'nuclear activities in Syria will no longer be linked to nuclear weapons, but to applications in health, energy, and water management, as they should be.' He declared that Tuesday represents 'an important day for global security and peace.'
Syria now awaits Grossi's next report to the Board of Governors, which will reflect the progress achieved, and urges member states to endorse these advances during the September session through a resolution that would allow overcoming the non-compliance file inherited from 2011.
Regional Context and Calls Regarding Israel
In a separate matter, al-Shaibani demanded an immediate halt to Israeli violations and attacks against Syria, full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and complete withdrawal to positions held before December 8, 2024. The Israeli attack on Abu al-Duhur airport was described as a 'flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty' and a direct threat to regional stability.
This discovery represents a significant advancement in nuclear non-proliferation and a historic opportunity for Syria to reintegrate as an active member of the international community, leaving behind more than a decade of non-compliance and suspicion surrounding its nuclear program.