IAEA Chief Says ‘Tons of Nuclear Materials’ Found in Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Syria has opened a secret site in Deir ez-Zor to the agency as Damascus and the IAEA begin a new phase of cooperation over the country’s nuclear activities.

Grossi made the remarks during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani at Tishreen Palace in Damascus on Tuesday, where both officials outlined their positions on nuclear cooperation, non-proliferation and Syria’s future peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Grossi described the meeting as an important day for security, peace and international non-proliferation efforts, saying the IAEA had begun cooperation with Syria’s new government after the previous regime had not cooperated in the field.

Grossi said the IAEA had been working with Syria’s new government for 18 months and that Damascus had opened a secret site in Deir ez-Zor dating from the previous regime.

He said the agency was working to address issues that had previously raised concerns within the international community.

Grossi said Syria had regained its place in the international community as a state fully compliant with its legal obligations concerning the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

“Now we turn the page of the past and begin a new page in nuclear engagement,” Grossi said.

He added that the next steps would involve further cooperation and support from the IAEA for Syria.

According to the headline accompanying the supplied material, Grossi also said the agency had found “tons of nuclear materials” in Syria.

Al-Shaibani said Syria fully affirmed its right to possess a peaceful nuclear program and benefit from its applications.

He also said Syria affirmed its sovereign and legal right to the civilian and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

“The cooperation between Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency has reached advanced stages, and transparency is our approach in dealing with it,” al-Shaibani said.

He said the new Syrian government was dealing with the legacy of the previous regime concerning nuclear activities and was looking to cooperate with the international community in the field of peaceful nuclear activities.

Al-Shaibani said Syria had granted access to the Deir ez-Zor site after more than 18 years through its own initiative and a sovereign decision.

“Syria looks forward to Grossi’s report reflecting the extent of progress achieved in nuclear cooperation,” he said.

Grossi said nuclear technology in Syria would be linked to energy, health and water management.

He also said cooperation with the IAEA could pave the way for Syria to establish new and beneficial international relations and partnerships in the field of nuclear energy.

For Damascus, the cooperation is also part of a broader effort to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and peaceful nuclear applications.

Al-Shaibani said Syria was standing alongside the IAEA to demonstrate its determination to become a pillar of stability at the regional and international levels.

At the same time, he accused Israeli forces of continuing what he described as a policy of aggression and chaos.

The Syrian foreign minister said Damascus remained committed to the diplomatic path to dissuade Israel from continuing its attacks on Syrian territory and sovereignty.

Al-Shaibani said Syria reaffirmed its commitment to immediate cessation of what he described as Israeli violations and attacks.

The comments came as Syria seeks to deepen its engagement with the international community on peaceful nuclear activities while addressing issues inherited from the previous regime.

Grossi said the IAEA’s cooperation with Syria marked the beginning of a new phase, with further support and cooperation expected in the coming period.

For Damascus, the opening of the Deir ez-Zor site and the advancing relationship with the IAEA represent steps toward greater transparency and international cooperation in peaceful nuclear activities.