IAEA confirms Syria undeclared nuclear reactor

The International — International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Syria's former authorities, under Bashar al-Assad, failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities as required under the NPT Safeguards Agreement. Inspectors visited several sites in August, confirming that the cooling infrastructure at the Deir el-Zour site is consistent with a nuclear reactor. The site was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in 2007. The IAEA also verified about 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at a previously undeclared site, now under agency containment and surveillance. The new Syrian government has cooperated with the IAEA, expressing interest in a civilian nuclear program.