Morocco leads efforts to end Syria’s nuclear safeguards dispute

14:01

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco leads efforts to end Syria’s nuclear safeguards dispute

Morocco is playing a central diplomatic role in efforts to bring an end to a long-running dispute over Syria’s implementation of its nuclear safeguards obligations, following a decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors in Vienna.

The Board agreed to close its consideration of the issue concerning Syria’s safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), after determining that Damascus had taken steps to address the non-compliance concerns raised in 2011.

The decision was introduced by a group of four Arab countries serving on the IAEA Board of Governors: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan. The Board concluded that the requirements established by its June 9, 2011 resolution were no longer applicable and decided that Syria’s safeguards implementation would no longer remain under the special procedure created by that resolution.

Morocco was particularly active in promoting a consensus-based decision. Moroccan diplomatic efforts included consultations with various members of the Board, notably the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, helping pave the way for the adoption of the decision without a vote.

The move effectively ends the special framework established in 2011 and returns the implementation of safeguards in Syria to the regular procedures provided for under the country’s safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

The dispute dates back to 2011, when the IAEA Board determined that Syria’s construction of an undeclared nuclear reactor in the Deir ez-Zor area, together with its failure to provide required information, constituted non-compliance with its safeguards obligations. Damascus was subsequently called upon to address the situation, provide the necessary information and facilitate access to relevant locations.

Relations between Syria and the IAEA have improved in recent years, however. According to a report by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi dated September 1, 2026, Syrian authorities provided updated information and reports and facilitated the access required by the agency. This enabled IAEA inspectors, among other measures, to place previously undeclared nuclear material under safeguards and include it within regular verification activities.

The agency also received explanations and responses concerning several outstanding safeguards issues, while Syrian authorities adopted measures aimed at addressing the concerns that had remained unresolved for years.

Against this backdrop, the IAEA Board welcomed the greater transparency and cooperation demonstrated by Syrian authorities since 2025 and recognised the steps taken by Damascus to address the previous safeguards breach.

Morocco has backed the consensus approach, arguing that the new decision provides an opportunity to bring the consequences of the 2011 resolution to an end and restore Syria’s safeguards implementation to the normal framework.

Speaking before the Board of Governors, Morocco’s ambassador and permanent representative to the international organisations in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, welcomed what he described as a comprehensive and transparent report by Grossi and highlighted the positive evolution in cooperation between Syria and the IAEA.

Farhane reaffirmed Morocco’s support for Syria’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with the nuclear watchdog and resolve remaining issues through constructive dialogue, mutual confidence and continued engagement.

He also pointed to recent contacts between Syrian authorities and the IAEA, including Grossi’s visit to Syria, saying that these developments could open a new phase of cooperation and confidence and allow tangible progress on the safeguards issue.

Morocco subsequently called on IAEA member states to support the decision by consensus and take into account the positive developments of recent years. The approach reflects Rabat’s broader emphasis on dialogue and multilateral cooperation in addressing sensitive international security and non-proliferation matters.