The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed the discovery of approximately 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal connected to Syria’s secret nuclear program under the former Assad regime, including roughly 55 tons contained in fuel rods.

The findings were disclosed in an IAEA report circulated to member states Tuesday. The agency confirmed that the undeclared facility bombed by Israel in Deir al-Zor in 2007 was a nuclear reactor under construction. Inspectors also determined that Syria had operated a separate facility where fuel for the reactor was manufactured, while another location was used to store the fuel as well as uranium scrap and waste.

According to the report, the former Syrian authorities failed to declare the nuclear material, facilities and related activities as required. Syria’s current government, however, has cooperated with inspectors, providing the IAEA with access, information, nuclear-material accounting reports and design details needed to address the outstanding questions.

The IAEA said all of the identified nuclear material is now under agency containment and surveillance measures, and Syria has indicated that it will remain inside the country. The watchdog said the cooperation of the new Syrian authorities allowed it to clarify and resolve the safeguards issues that had remained open from the Assad era.

In a separate report, the IAEA said it has made no comparable progress in Iran, where inspectors have still been unable to verify uranium stockpiles following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. The agency said the continued lack of access remains a proliferation concern.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)