IAEA finds 'several tons of nuclear material' in Syria

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have discovered "several tons of nuclear material" at a previously undisclosed site in Syria. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced the find in Damascus on Tuesday, stating that Syria's interim government made the "brave decision" to bring the location to the agency's attention.

Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani confirmed that IAEA staff collected samples from the site. He indicated that the Syrian government had voluntarily contacted the IAEA on July 17th. Al-Shaibani described the nuclear material as "an inheritance from the previous regime," referring to the long-standing rule of Bashar al-Assad. He also stated that the IAEA inspections at this location have concluded.

Grossi added a cautionary note, stating that the discovered nuclear material "could be misused." Syria has never officially declared an atomic program. However, in 2007, Israel reported destroying a partially built nuclear reactor in Al-Kibar, located in the eastern Deir ez-Zor region, claiming it was a clandestine facility potentially aided by North Korea. The Syrian government at the time denied it was a nuclear site, but the IAEA concluded it was "very likely" intended for reactor construction.