Assad-era Syrian reactor was configured for nuclear weapons, IAEA chief says

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Monday that the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad was constructing a nuclear reactor designed to produce fissile material for potential use in nuclear weapons. The announcement, made in Vienna, follows an investigation into the technical features and configuration of the facility.

In addition to the reactor, the UN nuclear watchdog identified a fuel fabrication plant used to manufacture nuclear fuel for the site. Investigators also located storage areas containing nuclear fuel, uranium scrap, and waste, noting that the reactor was nearing completion at the time of the discovery.