IAEA Confirms Syria Nuclear Reactor Program

International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have confirmed that Syria was constructing a nuclear reactor and operating an undeclared nuclear program under the former Bashar al-Assad regime. The findings, detailed in a confidential report circulated to member states on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, stem from verification work carried out at several Syrian sites in August. IAEA inspectors visited the Deir Ezzor site in eastern Syria and a second, previously undeclared facility. Based on observations at the Deir Ezzor location, the agency confirmed that uncovered cooling infrastructure is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor. The report also identified a fuel fabrication plant, where nuclear fuel for the reactor was manufactured, and a storage site for nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste. The agency stated that the former Syrian authorities failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities as required under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement. This undeclared program is believed to have included a nuclear reactor built by North Korea. The Deir Ezzor site became public knowledge after Israel launched airstrikes in 2007, destroying the facility.