Key Facts
• September 1, 2025: IAEA report distributed to member states.
• 2007: Israel destroyed a building in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.
• IAEA found uranium traces at the site, suspected to be an undeclared reactor.
• 2011: IAEA concluded the site was likely a secret nuclear reactor.
• Samples from three related sites revealed significant man-made uranium particles.
• June 2025: Syria allowed IAEA access to the site for further sampling.
• IAEA Director General Grossi met Syrian President Sharaa in June 2025.
• Syria agreed to cooperate with IAEA for transparency on past nuclear activities.
• IAEA plans to revisit Deir ez-Zor for further analysis and interviews.
• The investigation aims to resolve outstanding issues on Syria’s nuclear activities.
Summary
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported finding uranium traces at a Syrian site destroyed by Israel in 2007, suspected to have been an undeclared nuclear reactor. The IAEA has long questioned the nature of the site, which Syria claimed was a military base. Samples from related locations revealed man-made uranium particles, indicating chemical processing. In June 2025, Syria granted the IAEA access to the site and agreed to cooperate transparently on past nuclear activities. The IAEA plans further visits to Deir ez-Zor to analyze evidence and interview involved parties, aiming to resolve unresolved issues regarding Syria’s nuclear history.
