IAEA chief says Syria reactor could aid nuclear weapons
By The BriefBrief
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Syria’s nearly completed reactor in 2007 was of a type that could efficiently produce fissile material usable directly for nuclear weapons. He said the IAEA’s investigation found about 73 metric tons of natural uranium metal made into reactor fuel at the bombed site in Deir al-Zor.
WHO:Rafael Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
WHAT:Grossi said Syria’s reactor design could quickly produce fissile material for nuclear weapons and that IAEA findings confirmed undeclared fuel and reactor construction at the site.
WHEN:Reported Sep 7, 2026 at 12:08 PM ET
WHERE:Deir al-Zor, Syria
WHY:Grossi was explaining what the IAEA’s investigation found about Syria’s previously undeclared nuclear activities and the reactor’s potential to produce weapons-usable fissile material.
