IAEA finds several tons of nuclear material in Syria

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported finding "several tons of nuclear material" during an inspection in Syria. The location had previously been unknown to the IAEA, as stated by the organization. The discovery is based on information provided by the Syrian government, Interim Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani said on Tuesday.

According to the IAEA, there is no official nuclear program in Syria. The discovered material is expected to remain in Syria and will be monitored by the IAEA. Al-Shaibani pointed out that there is no danger posed by the nuclear material.

The transitional government in Damascus reportedly alerted the IAEA to the find, according to several sources. This is seen as an important measure to provide transparency to the international community.

The IAEA continues its monitoring and inspections to ensure that nuclear activities in Syria are properly overseen. This could influence future international cooperation on nuclear issues.

The discovery comes at a critical time as the international community continues to express concerns about possible military nuclear activities in Syria. The IAEA has emphasized that any further information regarding the material will be treated as a sensitive matter.