IAEA Says Syria Undeclared 73 Tons of Uranium at Suspected Reactor Site

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report today accusing the former Syrian government, under the leadership of Bashar al‑Assad, of failing to declare nuclear material and related facilities to the international community as required. The report states that a nuclear site in Deir ez‑Zor matches the structure of an unfinished nuclear reactor and that approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium were found on the premises, indicating that the country previously conducted substantive nuclear program activities.

IAEA officials emphasized that, based on on‑site inspections and satellite imagery, the concrete foundation, pipe layout, and associated auxiliary equipment at the site conform to the technical specifications for nuclear reactor construction. Although the reactor was never brought to operational status, the equipment possessed the basic conditions necessary for nuclear fission. The report also notes that Syria did not declare such material under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or any other international regulatory framework, violating fundamental principles of nuclear safety and transparency.

International reactions to the findings are mixed. The United States and European Union member states condemned Syria for breaching its non‑proliferation obligations and called on the United Nations Security Council to tighten oversight and sanctions against Syria. In contrast, Russia argued that the report lacks sufficient evidence to demonstrate Syrian intent to develop nuclear weapons and recommended dialogue instead of sanctions. Iran and other Middle‑Eastern nations expressed concern that the issue could spark a regional arms race, urging enhanced regional nuclear‑security cooperation.

The IAEA said it will continue to monitor and manage the residual nuclear material in Syria and will coordinate with relevant countries to prevent the diversion of nuclear material. The agency warned that uncontrolled nuclear material, if illicitly transferred, could pose a serious threat to the global non‑proliferation regime and increase the risk of terrorist groups acquiring nuclear substances.

For Taiwan, the undeclared Syrian nuclear material underscores the fragility of international nuclear oversight and the necessity of cross‑border monitoring. As a non‑nuclear‑weapon state, Taiwan continues to promote nuclear safety and non‑proliferation policies, while also seeking to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA and other international bodies to ensure transparency and security in its domestic nuclear industry and to voice its position on the international stage in support of regional stability and the collective interests of nuclear non‑proliferation.