73 tons of uranium revealed at secret nuclear site in Syria
IAEA says the material, including 55 tons in fuel rods, is now under agency safeguards as Syria’s new government cooperates with inspectors and the watchdog closes its probe into Assad-era nuclear activity; says unable to resolve outstanding questions of undeclared nuclear sites in Iran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced it has resolved all outstanding questions regarding Syria's nuclear program under the Assad regime, praising the current al-Sharaa government's cooperation. IAEA inspectors, led by Director General Rafael Grossi, visited a newly disclosed secret site, potentially "Site 99," where they found 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal, including 55 metric tons of "clad fuel rods." This material, while not directly usable for nuclear weapons, could be used to make a "dirty bomb."
Syria has the right to use the material for civilian purposes.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated the material would remain under Damascus' control for "peaceful purposes." The IAEA confirmed that the al-Kibar facility, bombed by Israel in 2007, was indeed a nuclear reactor, a finding verified during an August 28 visit to the demolished site where "cooling infrastructure consistent with that of a nuclear reactor" was uncovered. All nuclear material found is now under IAEA containment and surveillance.
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