The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Syria attempted to construct a nuclear reactor in the eastern province of Deir Az Zor during the presidency of Bashar al-Assad. In a confidential report released on September 2, 2026, the IAEA stated that it conducted verification work at several sites in Syria in August. The agency noted that the cooling infrastructure uncovered at the Deir Az Zor site is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor and will continue to monitor the site as excavation progresses.
Syria was believed to have operated an extensive undeclared nuclear program under al-Assad, which included a reactor built by North Korea. The existence of the site became known after Israeli air strikes in 2007 destroyed the facility. Following the strikes, Syria demolished the site and did not fully respond to IAEA inquiries.
The IAEA's report also indicated that the former Syrian authorities failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities. In addition to the reactor, the agency identified a fuel fabrication plant and a location for storing nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and a team of inspectors visited a previously undeclared site, which the new Syrian administration disclosed in a letter dated July 17. This site contained approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal in the form of fuel rods with cladding, which the IAEA verified and confirmed is under agency containment and surveillance. The new Syrian authorities have expressed interest in developing a civilian nuclear energy program, stating that any nuclear material found will remain in Syria's custody under international safeguards.