UN Nuclear Agency Ends Syria Investigation Following New Government Cooperation
The International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors terminated its three-year investigation into Syria on Wednesday. The decision follows confirmed cooperation between the new authorities and IAEA inspectors who recently visited two nuclear sites.
In Vienna, the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors voted by consensus to officially close a long-standing probe against Syria. The board adopted a text stating that a 2011 resolution finding the country in non-compliance with its obligations has been terminated. Two diplomats told AFP that the decision notes the current government's cooperation, which includes leading agency exports to key nuclear sites. IAEA inspectors visited two locations last month: one in Deir Ezzor and another identified by Syrian authorities as an undisclosed site. Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, stated on Monday that a near-complete nuclear reactor found in Deir Ezzor would have produced material capable of making nuclear weapons. Grossi noted it was obvious the previous administration pursued clandestine activities besides the reactor under construction. Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia submitted a resolution encouraging continued cooperation and excavation work at Deir Ezzor. Assad's regime ended in December 2024, allowing an Islamist government to take power before the board voted to end the probe.
