Secret Assad-era Syrian nuclear reactor was almost complete, UN says

An undeclared Syrian nuclear reactor built during Bashar al-Assad's rule was almost complete when the previous government fell, the UN nuclear watchdog said. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi described the project as a major step toward a potential nuclear weapons programme.

IAEA inspectors visited two sites last month: one in Deir Ezzor and another undisclosed location identified by Syrian authorities. A report seen by AFP said Syria's previous government had been building a nuclear reactor and carrying out other activities that it never declared.

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I cannot judge intentions, but it is very clear that these activities were not declared, they didn't want the world to know what they were doing.

"I cannot judge intentions, but it is very clear that these activities were not declared, they didn't want the world to know what they were doing," Grossi told reporters in Vienna. He said the reactor's configuration and technical features made it highly efficient for producing fissile material that could be used directly to manufacture nuclear weapons.

The reactor is now being excavated. Grossi said it had reached "a very advanced stage of construction" and was "almost completed." He also said it was possible, though not established, that Syrian authorities had carried out explosions to obstruct any investigation.

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Given the configuration, the technical features of that type of reactor, this is a reactor that is very efficient in the production of fissile material that could be used directly for the fabrication of nuclear weapons.

The IAEA found more than the reactor at Deir Ezzor. It identified a fuel fabrication plant where the reactor's fuel was manufactured, along with a site used to store nuclear fuel, uranium scrap and waste. The agency reported finding around 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal.

The IAEA had said in 2011 that the Deir Ezzor location was very likely to host a nuclear reactor and that available information pointed to North Korean assistance. Grossi praised Damascus for reporting the undisclosed site, but said the agency's board would decide how to proceed. A draft resolution expected to go to a vote this week proposes closing the Syria nuclear file. The IAEA will continue working with Syria to secure the nuclear material and report its findings.

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It was in a very advanced stage of construction.