IAEA Concludes Investigation into Syria's Secret Nuclear Activities: A Resolution Overview
The United Nations nuclear watchdog board has approved a resolution to conclude its investigation into Syria's past secret nuclear activities, which included a reactor capable of producing material for nuclear weapons. Syria, under former President Bashar Assad, was suspected of running a clandestine nuclear program that involved a reactor built by North Korea. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the 35-member board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling the end of the investigation that spanned almost two decades.
In 2011, the IAEA Board of Governors found Syria in violation of its nonproliferation obligations for constructing a nuclear reactor in Deir el-Zour secretly. The resolution reported the matter to the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly for consideration of sanctions. Following Assad's removal in December 2024, the new Syrian authorities granted IAEA inspectors access to suspected former nuclear sites. The draft resolution decided to "terminate" the provisions of the 2011 resolution, concluding the IAEA investigation into Syria's non-compliance.
Despite ending the investigation, the draft resolution emphasized that Syria is still obligated under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the safeguards agreement to declare all nuclear material and activities to the IAEA. It encouraged Syria to continue cooperating with the agency, including excavation work at the site of the nuclear reactor. The resolution also requested the IAEA head to provide updates to the board on ongoing activities in Syria.
During a visit to Syria in August, IAEA officials observed excavation work at the Deir el-Zour reactor site and inspected other locations related to fuel fabrication, storage, and reprocessing activities. They also visited an undisclosed site where 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal, including 55 tonnes in fuel rod form, were unearthed and placed under IAEA surveillance. The resolution commended Syria's new authorities for their transparency and cooperation in resolving the non-compliance issue.
In conclusion, the resolution marks the end of the IAEA's investigation into Syria's past secret nuclear activities, with a focus on ensuring Syria's compliance with international nonproliferation obligations and continued cooperation with the agency.