A Discovery That Could Reshape the Race for the UN
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Argentina's Rafael Grossi, revealed on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from Damascus that the agency verified the existence of “tons of nuclear material” at a Syrian facility never declared by the previous government. The discovery comes at a pivotal moment for his aspirations to lead the United Nations.
According to the diplomat, the material “could have been used for illicit purposes.” However, preliminary technical assessments indicate it “poses no risk,” as stated by Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al Shaibani during a joint press conference with Grossi.
Key Points of the Discovery
- Voluntary Notification: The new Syrian government sent a letter to the IAEA on July 17, 2026, informing about the presence of nuclear material at an undeclared location.
- International Inspection: IAEA experts accessed the site, whose exact location was not disclosed, and took samples for analysis.
- Material: It is natural uranium stored at a site linked to Bashar al-Assad's former regime.
- Custody: The material will remain on Syrian territory, subject to IAEA safeguards for permanent supervision.
Historic Visit to Deir Ezzor
During his trip, Grossi became the first IAEA Director General to visit the nuclear facilities in Deir Ezzor in 18 years. The mission also included a second site where large quantities of graphite are stored, linked to past nuclear activities in the region.
The Syrian Foreign Minister described the clandestine site as a “legacy left by the old regime” and reaffirmed Syria's sovereign right to the peaceful civilian use of nuclear energy. “We will continue to guarantee the necessary conditions for the treatment of these materials and their safe storage,” he added.
18 Months of Strategic Cooperation
This outcome is the result of a long rapprochement process. Following the meeting between Grossi and Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa in June 2025, the IAEA gained unrestricted access to relevant sites to clarify past nuclear activities. Sampling revealed traces of processed natural uranium at facilities linked to the case.
The file dates back to the Al Kibar reactor, destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in 2007. In 2011, the IAEA determined that Damascus was not fulfilling its obligations, a matter Assad never resolved. Grossi noted that 18 months of joint work with Damascus represent “a good day for global security and peace.”
A Boost for the UN Candidacy
The discovery comes at a decisive time for Grossi, one of seven candidates vying to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General, with the formal backing of the Argentine government.
First Security Council Vote
- Position: Third place
- Positive votes: 7
- Negative votes: 2
- Abstentions: 6
- Behind: Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana)
Next Vote
The second preliminary round will take place on August 21, 2026.
Credentials: Experience leading the IAEA and involvement in international crises, now with the diplomatic success in Syria as a new endorsement.
The inspection in Syria adds to Grossi's track record in delicate crises, strengthening his profile as a diplomatic actor capable of resolving complex problems in highly sensitive political and security scenarios.