Nuclear watchdog discovers uranium residue at suspected ex-Syrian nuclear facility
In a significant development, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced the discovery of uranium particles at a site in Syria, believed to be part of a clandestine nuclear program. The findings were reported by IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi to the agency's board of directors on Monday.
The site, located in the Deir Ezzor area, has been under investigation by IAEA inspectors since 2020, who visited and took environmental samples at three locations related to the site. The uranium particles found at one of these locations are consistent with the conversion of uranium ore concentrate to uranium oxide, typical of a nuclear power reactor.
The discovery comes amidst allegations that Syria, under former President Bashar Assad, operated an undeclared nuclear program, including a nuclear reactor built by North Korea. Some of Syria's nuclear activities were believed to be related to nuclear weapons, according to IAEA's director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi. However, the new Syrian regime under interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has not made any official statements regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons.
In a positive turn of events, the new Syrian government has agreed to cooperate with the IAEA and allowed inspectors access to the site where uranium particles were found. This cooperation could pave the way for the IAEA to help Syria rebuild its radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and oncology infrastructure, severely weakened by nearly 14 years of civil war.
Interestingly, Syria, under its new government, may be looking into small modular reactors for nuclear energy in the future. The IAEA is prepared to assist in this endeavour, ensuring that any nuclear activities are carried out in a peaceful and transparent manner, in line with international standards and non-proliferation goals.
As the investigation continues, the world awaits further information and updates from the IAEA regarding Syria's nuclear activities. The agency's findings could have significant implications for the region and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
