IAEA Gains First Access To Undeclared Syrian Nuclear Material Sites
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gained first access this week to undeclared Syrian sites storing nuclear material, IAEA director Rafael Grossi said.[1]
Grossi said his team visited the Al-Kibar reactor site in Deir Ez-Zor, an undeclared location outside Damascus that stores several tons of natural uranium metal, and a separate graphite storage site.[1] Grossi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said the undeclared material will be verified and brought under routine IAEA safeguards while remaining in Syrian national custody.[1]
On July 17, 2026, Syria sent the IAEA a letter disclosing undeclared nuclear material and inviting inspectors to visit a site known as "Site 99." Axios reports the inspections follow diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration that produced understandings with both Syria and Israel on access to the sites.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On July 17, 2026, Syria sent the IAEA a letter disclosing undeclared nuclear material and inviting inspectors to visit a site known as "Site 99."
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said this week his team visited the Al-Kibar reactor site in Deir Ez-Zor, an undeclared location outside Damascus storing several tons of natural uranium metal, and a separate graphite storage site.
- Grossi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said the undeclared material will be verified and brought under routine IAEA safeguards while remaining in Syrian national custody.
- Axios reports the inspections follow diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration that produced understandings with both Syria and Israel on access to the sites.
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