Kathmandu— The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Syria tried to build a nuclear reactor in the eastern province of Deir Az Zor under ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. In a confidential report seen by news agencies on Tuesday, the IAEA stated it visited several sites in August and found evidence consistent with a nuclear reactor cooling infrastructure at the Deir Az Zor site. The agency also noted that Syria failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities as required.

IAEA's Findings

Based on observations at the Deir Az Zor site, the IAEA confirmed that the cooling infrastructure uncovered is consistent with a nuclear reactor. The agency will continue to monitor the excavation work and has taken samples containing uranium particles from the site in 2024.

Syria's Nuclear Program

The report also revealed that Syria had an extensive undeclared nuclear program under al-Assad, including a reactor built by North Korea. The facility was destroyed by Israel in air strikes in 2007 and later leveled by Syrian authorities. Following Assad’s removal in December 2024, the new government agreed to give IAEA inspectors access to suspected former nuclear sites.

New Site Discovery

The agency also visited a previously undeclared site notified by the new Syrian administration on July 17. The site contained around 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal in fuel rods with cladding, all subject to IAEA containment and surveillance measures.

The new Syrian authorities have expressed interest in developing a civilian nuclear energy program and stated that any found nuclear material would remain under international safeguards.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.