Syria admits holding nuclear material, refuses handover: ‘We have the right to use it’

Syria announced on Tuesday that nuclear material found at a secret site would remain in the country for "peaceful purposes," reversing an earlier commitment to remove it. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated the material would stay under Syrian control but be subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, asserting, "Syria has the right to use the material for civilian purposes." This material is believed to be linked to the al-Kibar reactor, destroyed by Israel in 2007. U.S. and Israeli officials previously indicated the material, including yellowcake, could potentially be used in a "dirty bomb." The announcement came during a joint press conference with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, where al-Shaibani also condemned recent Israeli strikes in Syria.