Syria Allows UN Nuclear Inspectors to Visit, Shows Interest in Peaceful Nuclear Energy
Syria’s new government has agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors visit suspected old nuclear sites right away, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, told the Associated Press on Wednesday.
IAEA Inspections in Syria
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said the goal is to understand Syria’s past nuclear activities, which may have been related to weapons. He mentioned that Syria’s new leaders are more open to working with international groups and hopes inspections will be finished in a few months.
In 2024, the IAEA visited nuclear sites in Syria while former President Bashar al-Assad was still in charge. After he was removed from power in December, the agency has been trying to access important places again—especially a reactor in Deir el-Zour that North Korea helped build.
This reactor was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in 2007. The IAEA thinks it might have been meant to make nuclear weapons. Inspectors now plan to go back to Deir el-Zour, three nearby sites, and facilities in Damascus and Homs, which are already under international monitoring.
Grossi said the IAEA is now focusing only on the most important sites. He confirmed there’s no radiation leak but warned that enriched uranium might still be hidden, which could be used or smuggled.
Talks and Nuclear Cooperation
Grossi praised Syria’s temporary leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for being willing to work with others. He said Syria is interested in using small nuclear reactors for energy in the future.
Besides inspections, the IAEA wants to help Syria’s damaged healthcare system by providing equipment for cancer treatment and nuclear medicine.
Grossi also said he’s regularly talking with U.S. and Iranian officials about their nuclear talks. While the IAEA isn’t part of the talks, it will check if any final agreement is followed. Even though there are big disagreements—especially about uranium enrichment—Grossi is hopeful because both sides want a deal.
Syria’s Energy Crisis
Syria is facing a major energy shortage after its oil industry was ruined by war.
To fix this, the government is focusing on renewable energy and trying to bring more stability to the country.
In April, Iraqi officials visited Damascus to discuss restarting an old oil pipeline that connects to the Mediterranean Sea.
Because international sanctions and money problems make it hard to import oil, Syria is relying more on local middlemen to get fuel.
Last month, Syria also signed a new energy deal with Türkiye to improve cooperation in this sector.
Published: 5th June 2025
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