IAEA finds tonnes of nuclear material at Syria site

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said its inspectors found “a few tonnes of nuclear material” at an undeclared location in Syria, after Damascus formally reported the site earlier this month.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the material “could be put to bad use” and that the agency would ensure it is placed under international safeguards.

IAEA inspections include Deir Ezzor visit One of

IAEA inspections include Deir Ezzor visit

One of those was a site in Deir The agency said its inspection team visited two locations during the latest effort to verify Syria’s disclosure. One of those was a site in Deir Ezzor, and the other was a second location linked to the material Syria reported. Officials said the IAEA will account for the material and bring it into its safeguards system, with security and verification steps expected to follow. Syria says it notified the agency on July 17 Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani said Damascus notified the IAEA on July 17. He said technical assessments indicate the materials do not currently pose a risk. Al‑Shaibani added that the materials would remain in Al‑Shaibani added that the materials would remain in Syrian custody, while also being subject to IAEA safeguards.

Earlier IAEA concerns date to the previous regime

Grossi’s remarks echoed longstanding IAEA concerns about undeclared nuclear activity in Syria linked to the previous regime. In 2011, the agency assessed that a related site was “very likely” a reactor. The International Atomic Energy The IAEA statement did not describe the type of nuclear material found, but officials said accounting and safeguards measures are set to proceed and will include additional security and verification actions.

Legal and military developments unfold in parallel

In separate developments reported by officials, a Syrian court sentenced Wassim al Assad to death for crimes against humanity, according to a judge. A Lebanese judicial official also said Lebanon has decided to extradite former Syrian general Adel Issa to face charges.

Officials also reported Israeli strikes on a Syrian air base near the Turkish border. A US envoy described the strike as an “unnecessary escalation.”

Updates expected within seven days

The IAEA and Syrian officials said they will provide updates on safeguards and accounting measures within seven days, as the agency moves to place the disclosed material under its international oversight framework.