Judiciary chief says Tehran will pursue international court cases while preparing to confiscate accessible US-linked property
Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, announced that Tehran will pursue legal action against the United States in international courts and seize American-linked assets whenever access becomes possible, according to remarks delivered during the country’s “American Human Rights Week.”
Speaking at the event, Ejei said Iranian courts had already issued rulings against US officials accused by Tehran of committing crimes against the Iranian people. He added that authorities would continue enforcing those rulings by confiscating accessible American assets in line with judicial decisions.
Ejei also claimed Iran had previously seized an American-linked vessel for the benefit of Iranian citizens who allegedly suffered losses because of US actions. Although he did not identify the ship, his comments appeared to reference the 2023 seizure of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Advantage Sweet, which carried Kuwaiti crude oil destined for the United States on behalf of Chevron.
Officials cite previous court rulings and tanker seizure
In March 2024, an Iranian court ordered the US government and several officials to pay $6.8 billion in damages over sanctions that plaintiffs argued restricted access to medicine for patients suffering from a rare skin disease. Following the ruling, Iranian authorities announced plans to unload crude oil seized from the Advantage Sweet, reportedly valued at around $50 million.
Analysts noted that confiscating American-linked cargo could have broader commercial implications for energy companies operating in the Gulf, potentially increasing risks for shipping and regional trade.
Tehran prepares international legal claims
Meanwhile, Ejei said Iran had begun working with the Foreign Ministry to file what he described as comprehensive war crimes complaints against the United States in international courts.
He alleged that recent US military operations targeted civilian infrastructure, including residential, educational and medical facilities, claims that Washington has denied. US officials have consistently maintained that military operations focused on strategic military objectives.
Iranian officials have also accused the United States of damaging civilian infrastructure, including water facilities in the coastal town of Sirik, allegations that remain disputed.
