IAEA chief Grossi discusses Iran, Syria non-proliferation with US Energy Secretary Wright

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi convened with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright to address critical nuclear non-proliferation issues, including the situations in Iran and Syria. Grossi announced the meeting via a post on X/Twitter on Tuesday evening.

The discussion took place as Grossi prepared for the launch of the IAEA's initiative ATLAS. This program is designed to facilitate the deployment of civil nuclear applications at sea, such as nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants. These applications aim to support international trade and provide energy solutions for remote communities and industries.

A significant point of discussion was Grossi's recent visit to Syria. During a joint press conference on August 18, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani stated that Syria had permitted the IAEA to access a site where nuclear material was discovered and collected. Shaibani assured that Damascus would provide the necessary conditions for safe handling and storage of these materials, noting that Syria acted on its own initiative.

Syria's new authorities, established after the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, have committed to cooperating with the UN's nuclear watchdog. This cooperation aims to address the legacy of nuclear activities conducted during the decades of Assad family rule. Grossi confirmed that the agency accessed the site after being notified by the Syrian government. Syria is not known to possess operational nuclear material stockpiles for a weapons program, though Israel did bomb a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007.

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We will provide the necessary conditions for handling nuclear materials and storing them safely.