IAEA closes Syria nuclear file, Iran access still deadlocked
IAEA resolves Syria's nuclear safeguards issues after Assad's fall, but Iran access and inventory verification remain stalled.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog has concluded its investigation into Syria's previously undeclared nuclear activities, crediting the post-Assad government for its cooperation. However, the agency's parallel efforts in Iran remain at a standstill, with inspectors still unable to access key sites.
In a confidential report circulated to member states ahead of next week's Board of Governors meeting, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a site bombed by Israel in 2007 was indeed a nuclear reactor under construction. The report also verified the presence of roughly 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal at a connected location, with 55 tons in the form of fuel rods.
The agency stated it has now clarified all outstanding safeguards issues, noting that the former government of Bashar al-Assad had failed to report the reactor, a fuel fabrication plant, and a storage site as required. Syria's new authorities have since provided the necessary accounting reports and design information, and all nuclear material is under agency containment and surveillance.
In contrast, the IAEA's report on Iran shows no progress. Inspectors have not returned to nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel in June 2025. The agency has lost continuity of knowledge regarding Iran's declared inventory, which previously included 440.9 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity—enough for ten nuclear weapons if further enriched. The IAEA described this lack of information and access as a matter of proliferation concern requiring urgent resolution.