IAEA Reveals Syria's Nuclear Reactor Had Weapons-Grade Potential

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unveiled concerning details about a nuclear reactor constructed during the tenure of the late Syrian President Bashar Assad, indicating that it was configured to produce fissile material suitable for nuclear weapons. This revelation was made by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during a press briefing in Vienna, where he highlighted the reactor's capabilities as a significant proliferation risk.

According to Grossi, the reactor's design and technical features were highly efficient for generating fissile material, which could be directly utilized in the manufacturing of nuclear arms. "Of course, that was never declared, that was always denied, so intentions cannot be judged, but that was a very serious proliferation concern that we had," he stated, emphasizing the challenges the agency faced in investigating Syria's nuclear ambitions.

Undeclared Nuclear Program Uncovered

Syria's clandestine nuclear program was believed to have been extensive, including a reactor built with North Korean assistance located in eastern Deir el-Zour province. Following Assad's ousting, the new Syrian government permitted IAEA inspectors access to various suspected nuclear sites. During an inspection in August, the IAEA confirmed that the cooling infrastructure uncovered at one of these sites was consistent with that of a nuclear reactor.

Discovery of Uranium and Inspection Challenges

IAEA inspectors also visited a previously undeclared site that Syria acknowledged in a letter to the agency on July 17. This site contained approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal in the form of fuel rods. Grossi recounted the challenges faced by inspectors, revealing they had to "tear down walls" to access the hidden nuclear material, which was found amidst disarray at the location.

Although the natural uranium metal is not directly usable for a nuclear weapon, experts warn it could be diverted for a covert weapons program aimed at processing it into plutonium. Grossi assured that the IAEA has secured the material and installed monitoring cameras at the site, stating that the ultimate decision regarding the material's future rests with the Syrian government.

Source: www.independent.co.uk