US Plans Revival of Civil War-Era 'Prize Courts' to Seize Iranian Oil Tankers

The US Department of Justice is reportedly considering reviving the 'Prize Courts' system to seize Iranian oil tankers and cargoes. This move would allow the US to process the seizure more quickly than through existing civil forfeiture procedures.

Under this plan, the US authorities could potentially transfer the proceeds from confiscated oil to the US Treasury, helping to offset the costs of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The proposal also aims to provide another legal instrument for Washington to enforce its blockade of Iran and disrupt Tehran's oil revenues.

The 'Prize Courts' mechanism has been largely dormant since World War II, but it allowed governments to adjudicate the capture of enemy vessels and cargoes during wartime. US Attorney Aaron Reitz confirmed that the Justice Department is working to revive this ancient body of maritime law.