IAEA Says Syrian Reactor Israel Destroyed in 2007 Was Configured for Nuclear Weapons

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the Assad regime’s nearly completed Al-Kibar reactor was configured to efficiently produce fissile material directly usable in nuclear weapons, although inspectors could not determine Syria’s intent. Israel destroyed the North Korean-built site near Deir ez-Zor in 2007, when only fuel loading remained. Inspectors documented about 73 tonnes of natural uranium, including roughly 55 tonnes in clad fuel rods and the remainder as waste. Syria disclosed the material in a July 17 letter, invited an inspection and placed it under IAEA safeguards, with agency cameras now monitoring it.