UN Finally Visits Syria’s Secret Nuclear Sites, Finds Archaeological Dig Instead
KEY POINTS
- •UN inspectors led by IAEA's Rafael Grossi accessed previously undeclared Syrian nuclear sites starting after a July 17 letter from Syria.
- •They visited Al-Kibar in Deir Ez-Zor, Site 99 near Damascus, and discovered several tons of natural uranium and stored graphite material.
- •Syria’s foreign minister stated the nuclear material remains under Syrian national custody but agreed on verification and safeguards with the IAEA.
After years of diplomatic back-and-forth and a mysterious letter sent July 17, UN inspectors led by IAEA Director Rafael Grossi got VIP access to Syria's leftover nuclear fan club hangouts, including the once-blown-up Al-Kibar reactor site and the ominous-sounding 'Site 99.' They found several tons of natural uranium metal, significant piles of graphite (yes, the pencil stuff), and what Grossi described as 'ongoing excavation activities,' which probably means someone’s still digging for answers or ancient treasure. Assad’s rep, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, exclaimed proudly that Syria retains sovereign custody—translation: 'We’re keeping our dusty nuclear knickknacks right here, thanks.'
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(1 of 3)Syria finally lets UN peek at its oft-forgotten nuclear junkyard while insisting they’re just casual collectors protecting their antique uranium and graphite souvenirs.
The Assad regime’s nuclear sites are like that attic you forget about until company comes over—surprise excavation and dusty uranium included.
Syria storing ‘several tons of natural uranium’ sounds less like nuclear readiness and more like a bizarre collector’s hoard of deadly rocks.
Source: Axios | Published: 8/18/2026 | Author: Barak Ravid
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