Morocco helps close nearly 20-year-old Syrian nuclear file

Morocco is backing a resolution that could bring an end to a nearly 20-year-old international dispute over Syria’s undeclared nuclear activities while keeping the door open for continued inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The resolution, submitted by Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, reflects what the United Kingdom described as major progress in Syria’s cooperation with the IAEA. 

The UK said it supports the resolution, which would allow the Syrian nuclear safeguards issue to be removed from the regular agenda of the IAEA Board of Governors.

The case centers on a nuclear reactor the Assad regime built at Deir Al Zour without declaring it to the IAEA. 

The agency’s investigation concluded that the site was a nuclear reactor, bringing greater clarity to a case that has remained unresolved for years.

Syria has made progress in recent months by working with the IAEA and allowing the agency to advance its investigation. The UK said the renewed cooperation is a shift after years of limited engagement with the agency.

The IAEA will not, however, end its work in Syria. The resolution calls for safeguards and verification activities to continue, while the agency seeks further information, including the origin of nuclear material found in the country.

The UK urged Syria to maintain its cooperation and sign an additional protocol to its safeguards agreement. 

The additional protocol would give the IAEA broader tools to verify Syria’s nuclear activities and strengthen international confidence in its commitments.

The British government credited the IAEA’s long-term investigation for establishing what happened at Deir Al Zour, saying the agency’s findings were based on verified evidence and detailed analysis.

The UK said the case shows that even longstanding nuclear disputes can be addressed when governments cooperate with international inspectors and provide greater transparency.