A New Chapter for Syria's Nuclear Past
Immediate Access Granted by Syria to UN Inspectors at Previous Nuclear Sites, According to IAEA
Syria's shifting political landscape has paved the way for a fresh look into its controversial nuclear history. After the dramatic downfall of President Bashar al-Assad in December, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is finally given a chance to gain access to the suspected sites linked to Syria's clandestine nuclear program.
In an exclusive meeting with Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and other officials, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the Syrian government has agreed to open up these sites immediately. The IAEA aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding certain past activities deemed potentially linked to nuclear weapons [1][2].
Grossi hailed the new Syrian government's commitment to embracing international cooperation, expressing hope that a swift resolution to this decades-long issue could be achieved within months [2]. In 2024, while Bashar al-Assad still held the reins, an IAEA team managed to visit some sites of interest [1]. Since then, the IAEA has been relentlessly pursuing expanded cooperation from the Syrian government to thoroughly inspect and evaluate all sites of interest, in an attempt to finally resolve the long-standing questions regarding Syria's nuclear past [2][3].
Among the sites under IAEA safeguards are a miniature neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs capable of processing yellow-cake uranium. Although there is no evidence of radiation leaks from these sites, Grossi admitted that the watchdog remains concerned about the possibility of enriched uranium being potentially hidden, reused, or trafficked [2].
In addition to resuming inspections, the IAEA is also prepared to offer assistance in rebuilding Syria's crippled nuclear medicine and oncology infrastructure—a sector that has been severely weakened by nearly 14 years of civil war. But that's not all. There's talk of Syria exploring nuclear energy options in the future, likely gravitating towards small modular reactors for their affordability and ease of deployment [2].
Other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan, are actively pursuing nuclear energy as well. As the dust settles in the war-torn country, the world watches with bated breath as Syria embarks on this new nuclear chapter [1].
Sources:
- [1] Himes, J. (2025, June 14). Syria's Nuclear Past under Spotlight as IAEA Gains Access [online]. Reuters.
- [2] IAEA. (2025, June 14). Syria to Grant Immediate Access to Nuclear Sites [online]. IAEA.
- [3] Grossi, R. M. (2025, June 14). Interview with Ahmad al-Sharaa: Updates on the Situation in Syria [online]. IAEA.
Related:
- EU removes most sanctions on Syria but slaps new ones on alleged culprits of attacks on Alawites
- 'Show us something special,' Trump says to Syria as he agrees to lift raft of sanctions
- Syria's stock exchange reopens after six-month closure in run-up to al-Assad ouster
Keywords:
- Syria
- Nuclear weapons
- IAEA
- Nuclear power plant
- Nuclear energy
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is hoping to unravel mysteries surrounding Syria's nuclear past, as the new Syrian government agrees to open up suspected sites linked to Syria's clandestine nuclear program. The IAEA aims to address certain activities potentially connected to nuclear weapons, following the meeting with Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and other officials [1][2].
In the regional context, other countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan are actively pursuing nuclear energy, with Syria also considering nuclear energy options in the future, likely gravitating towards small modular reactors [2]. The world is closely watching Syria as it embarks on this new nuclear chapter [1].
