The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that its inspectors discovered uranium particles at a site in Syria suspected of being part of a clandestine nuclear program under the former government of Bashar al-Assad.
The findings were revealed after inspectors visited and took environmental samples at three locations allegedly related to the remote desert site Deir el-Zour last year.
According to IAEA spokesman Fredrik Dahl, analysis of the samples revealed a significant number of anthropogenic natural uranium particles in one of the locations.
Some of these particles are consistent with the conversion of uranium ore concentrate to uranium oxide, a process typically associated with nuclear power reactors.
Dahl emphasized that the IAEA urged Syria to cooperate fully over allegations it had been building a covert nuclear reactor at Deir Az Zor, which Syria has repeatedly denied.
The Deir Az Zor site was exposed after Israel launched airstrikes in 2007, destroying the facility. Syria later leveled the site and did not respond fully to the IAEA’s questions. An IAEA team visited some sites of interest last year while al-Assad was still in power.
After al-Assad’s fall, the new government led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed to cooperate with the agency and provided inspectors access to the site where the uranium particles were found.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi reported these findings to the agency’s board of directors, highlighting concerns regarding Syria’s nuclear capabilities.
Grossi previously indicated that certain activities carried out by Syria “were, in the judgment of the agency, probably related to nuclear weapons.”
The IAEA will evaluate the results of all environmental samples taken at the location and may conduct follow-up activities as necessary.
In a recent interview, Grossi noted that al-Sharaa expressed interest in pursuing nuclear energy for Syria in the future, potentially focusing on small modular reactors, which are cheaper and easier to deploy than traditional large ones.
The IAEA is prepared to help Syria rebuild its radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and oncology infrastructure, severely weakened by nearly 14 years of civil war.
Nuclear investigations are intricate and require meticulous attention to detail. The IAEA’s role in verifying the peaceful use of nuclear technology is crucial in maintaining global security and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
In the case of Syria, the agency’s findings have raised questions about the country’s past nuclear activities and its potential implications for regional stability.
International cooperation is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of nuclear investigations. The IAEA’s ability to conduct thorough inspections and verify the accuracy of information relies heavily on the cooperation of member states.
In the case of Syria, the country’s willingness to grant access to inspectors and provide relevant information will be critical in resolving outstanding safeguards issues and demonstrating its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Syria’s nuclear program, there is potential for the country to benefit from nuclear energy in the future.
Small modular reactors, in particular, offer a promising option for Syria, given their lower costs and increased efficiency. However, any nuclear energy program would need to be carefully managed and monitored to ensure its safety and security.
The IAEA plays a vital role in promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation among its member states. By providing technical assistance and support, the agency helps countries to develop their nuclear capabilities in a safe and secure manner.
In the case of Syria, the IAEA’s involvement could help the country to rebuild its radiotherapy and nuclear medicine infrastructure, which has been severely impacted by the civil war.