Nuclear material discovered in Syria, FM says it will remain under Damascus's control

Syria's foreign minister confirmed that nuclear material discovered at the Dier ez-Zor site was collected by the IAEA, as reported by Saudi Al-Hadath. The material will remain in Syrian custody subject to IAEA guarantees, with Damascus permitting access on its own initiative. Cooperation has reached advanced stages.

Syria's foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, confirmed that nuclear material discovered at the Dier ez-Zor site was collected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The confirmation was reported by Saudi state-owned Al-Hadath on Tuesday. Al-Shaibani emphasized that the material will remain in Syrian custody, "subject to IAEA guarantees." He stated that Damascus, "on its own initiative," permitted the IAEA to access the site and that Syria will provide the necessary conditions for handling and safely storing the nuclear materials. The minister added that cooperation between Syria and the IAEA has reached "advanced stages." The report provides no further details on the type, quantity, or origin of the material, nor does it include responses from other countries or international bodies. The story is described as developing.