US Reactivates Maritime Plunder Courts for Iran Oil Seizure
The US Department of Justice plans to reactivate historic 'maritime plunder' courts to expedite the seizure of Iranian oil tankers and their cargoes. This move aims to counter the effects of sanctions imposed on Iranian ports, according to Bloomberg.
Under this plan, federal prosecutors will be granted broader powers to seize oil, ships, and cargo belonging to adversaries or even neutral parties. The assets will be sold immediately under court orders, and the proceeds will go directly to the US Treasury.
Aaron Ritz, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Houston, explained that these regulations represent 'an old set of maritime laws' imposed by national security requirements during military conflicts.
The Justice Department has designated the federal court in the Southern District of Texas, specifically in Houston, as the likely venue for hearing these cases. Critics warn of significant legal hurdles, including the absence of explicit congressional authorization and determining whether the current conflict legally constitutes a 'dispute' justifying the application of the spoils of war law.