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

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFFAUGUST 18, 2026 17:23Updated: AUGUST 18, 2026 17:29Nuclear material in Syria was discovered and collected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Saudi state-owned Al-Hadath reported on Tuesday, citing confirmation by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.According to the report, al-Shaibani emphasized that the material, discovered in Syria's Dier ez-Zor site, will remain in Syrian custody, "subject to IAEA guarantees.""We will provide the necessary conditions for handling nuclear materials and storing them safely," said al-Shaibani, who further noted that Damascus, "on its own initiative," permitted the IAEA to access the site.He added that cooperation between Syria and the IAEA has reached "advanced stages."This is a developing story.Follow us on Google