UN Nuclear Watchdog: Syrian Site Was Likely Built as a Nuclear Reactor

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Tuesday evening that findings at a Syrian site previously struck by Israel "are consistent with a nuclear reactor."

In its report, the UN nuclear watchdog said the ousted Assad regime "failed to declare nuclear material, facilities and activities" at Deir ez-Zor, which Israel attacked in 2007. The IAEA added that the country’s former authorities "did not declare nuclear materials, facilities and activities. Based on the agency’s observations at the Deir ez-Zor site, there were approximately 73 tons of natural uranium there, 55 tons of it in the form of fuel rods. The agency confirms that the cooling infrastructure now uncovered is consistent with that of a nuclear reactor. We will continue monitoring activity at the site as excavation work progresses."

As a reminder, about two weeks ago Israel warned that nuclear materials capable of being used to make a "bomb" were stored at another Syrian facility from the Assad regime era. Israel threatened to bomb the facility if the nuclear material was not removed. As a result, understandings were reached with the United States and Syria under which inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency would remove the material from the country.