US Reawakens Prize Courts to Seize Iranian Oil Tankers
The US Department of Justice is reviving an ancient maritime law framework known as 'prize courts' to streamline the seizure of Iranian oil tankers and convert seized petroleum into US government assets.
The plan aims to offset war-related expenditures by auctioning off confiscated goods, with proceeds deposited directly into the U.S. Treasury. Federal prosecutors would have an expedited pathway to claim ownership of oil and cargo seized from enemy vessels or neutral ships carrying enemy-bound cargo.
Aaron Reitz, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, confirmed that the Department of Justice is actively 'reviving' prize courts as part of 'ancient maritime law.' The draft proposal has yet to be finalized, but it would allow federal prosecutors to seize and liquidate Iranian oil tankers.
Prize courts were a routine component of naval warfare during the 18th and 19th centuries but have remained dormant since World War II. This legal strategy unfolds as U.S. naval forces continue to intercept and seize multiple Iranian and Iran-linked vessels following the implementation of a naval blockade on Iran in April.