Saudi Arabia Welcomes End of Syria Nuclear Probe

Saudi Arabia Welcomes IAEA Decision

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency to end its investigation into historical nuclear activities in Syria. The investigation focused on secret projects linked to the former government of Bashar Assad and Syria’s failure to declare certain nuclear activities.The IAEA Board of Governors unanimously adopted the resolution on Wednesday, bringing an investigation that began in 2011 to a close. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco jointly submitted the resolution to the agency for consideration.

Investigation Focused on Assad-Era Nuclear Activities

The IAEA investigation found Syria, under the Assad regime, to be in noncompliance with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations after the country failed to declare nuclear-related activities. The investigation remained a significant issue for international nuclear oversight for more than a decade.The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom supports efforts aimed at strengthening Syria’s security, stability and sovereignty. Riyadh also reaffirmed its support for Syria’s national institutions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Syria Calls Decision a Diplomatic Achievement

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the IAEA decision as an important diplomatic and legal achievement for the country. The ministry said Syria’s new transitional authorities took the initiative to disclose nuclear-related activities, sites and materials discovered after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.According to the Syrian ministry, the new authorities have pursued a policy based on transparency, cooperation and respect for international obligations. It contrasted this approach with what it described as the previous government’s policies of concealment, denial and evasion.

IAEA Inspectors Visit Key Nuclear Sites

The new Syrian authorities also facilitated access for IAEA inspectors to important nuclear-related locations. Among the sites was a location in Deir Ezzor where a nearly completed nuclear reactor had reportedly been secretly constructed under the Assad government.The reactor was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in 2007. The disclosure and subsequent access to nuclear-related sites allowed international inspectors to examine information and locations associated with the long-running investigation.

Rafael Grossi Praises Syria’s Cooperation

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Monday that it was clear the previous Syrian government had been pursuing several clandestine activities. His comments highlighted the agency’s assessment of the historical nuclear issue and the importance of Syria’s recent cooperation.Grossi also praised Syria’s new government for what he described as a courageous decision to report previously undisclosed nuclear sites. The cooperation helped create a pathway toward resolving the long-standing investigation.

Saudi Arabia Backs Syria’s Stability

Saudi Arabia’s support for the IAEA resolution comes as Syria’s transitional authorities seek to strengthen the country’s institutions and international relations following years of conflict. Riyadh said its position remains focused on supporting Syria’s security, stability and sovereignty.The unanimous IAEA decision marks a significant development in the international handling of Syria’s historical nuclear file. It also places greater attention on the new Syrian authorities’ stated commitment to transparency and cooperation with international institutions.

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A New Chapter for Syria’s Nuclear File

The conclusion of the IAEA investigation closes a case that had remained open since 2011. The decision follows the disclosure of historical nuclear sites and cooperation between Syria’s new authorities and international inspectors.For Saudi Arabia, the outcome also aligns with its stated support for Syria’s stability and sovereignty. The development could help Damascus move forward with international engagement while maintaining cooperation with global nuclear oversight institutions.