Syrian reactor could have been used for nuclear weapons if completed, UN says

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Published: 2026-09-07T16:45:25.910Z • Permanent link

Detailed investigations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have shed new light on a secret nuclear reactor built during the rule of the toppled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The facility, located in the country's north, is believed to have been constructed by a team led by Syrian nuclear scientist, Mohamed El Baradei, a former IAEA director-general. El Baradei's team reportedly used advanced technology to construct the reactor, which was intended to produce fissile material, a key component in nuclear weapons.

According to sources, the reactor was nearly complete when the Syrian Civil War broke out in 2011, forcing the project to be abandoned. However, new intelligence suggests that the reactor could have been completed and used to produce significant quantities of fissile material, potentially threatening regional and global security. The IAEA has been working to verify the extent of the project, with officials citing concerns about the potential for the reactor to be used for illicit purposes.

According to reports, the reactor was designed to produce highly enriched uranium (HEU), a highly radioactive and explosive form of uranium. The production of HEU is a critical step in the development of nuclear weapons, and the IAEA has long been concerned about the potential for Syria to use its nuclear program for military purposes. The agency has been working to strengthen international non-proliferation efforts in the Middle East, including efforts to secure and dismantle Syria's nuclear program.

The discovery of the nearly complete nuclear reactor in Syria has significant implications for the global financial sector, particularly those companies and institutions that operate in the Middle East. The potential for the reactor to be used for illicit purposes raises concerns about the security of regional markets and the potential for instability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already expressed concerns about the impact of the conflict on the Syrian economy, with officials warning that the country's GDP is likely to decline significantly in the coming years.

The discovery of the reactor also highlights the need for greater international cooperation in the non-proliferation effort. The IAEA has been working closely with the United Nations Security Council to strengthen international non-proliferation efforts in the Middle East, including efforts to secure and dismantle Syria's nuclear program. The agency has also been working to strengthen the capabilities of its inspectors, who will play a critical role in verifying the extent of the project and ensuring that the reactor is not used for illicit purposes.

The discovery of the nearly complete nuclear reactor in Syria is part of a larger pattern of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. The region has a long history of nuclear ambitions, with several countries, including Iran and North Korea, having developed nuclear programs. The discovery of the reactor highlights the need for greater international cooperation in the non-proliferation effort, particularly in the Middle East.