Iranian Terrorism Victims Seek Restitution in Washington

Washington — Victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism and their families are in Washington this week to urge President Trump to demand Iran pay restitution as part of any potential peace deal. This group of more than 100 people comprises individuals who have successfully sued the Islamic Republic in U.S. federal court, securing judgments totaling tens of billions of dollars for its involvement in major terror attacks globally. These attacks include the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, which killed 241 U.S. service members, and various other suicide bombings impacting American citizens.

Advocacy for Justice

The American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism United penned a letter to President Trump, stating, “American victims have been entirely absent from the public and reported negotiating framework.” The letter emphasizes the group’s request, rooted in longstanding U.S. policy, that no agreement should provide Iranian assets or sanctions relief until outstanding terrorism judgments owed to American victims are resolved.

Angela Mistrulli, leading the two-day gathering, will deliver the letter to the president during a scheduled meeting at the White House. Mistrulli’s father, Joseph, was killed in the 9/11 attacks. She stated, “If we can bankrupt terrorists, then there will be less American blood spilled.”

Current Developments

Recent days have seen renewed fighting with Iran, stalling the push toward a peace agreement. This effort occurs midway through the initial 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Trump and Iran’s leaders. The MOU, largely negotiated by Vice President JD Vance, offered Iran the potential release of hundreds of billions of dollars in assets and sanctions relief contingent on specific commitments.

Trump commented on the MOU, “If it doesn’t get done in 60 days, that’s all right. We go back to bombing.” Vance described the MOU as a favorable agreement for Americans, offering Iran a chance to reenter the global economy. Despite these negotiations, the U.S. resumed military strikes on Iran more than a week ago.

Judgments and Challenges

Mistrulli noted that Iran, along with regimes like Syria and North Korea, has been judicially ordered to pay up to $156 billion in judgments dating back to the 1990s. A substantial number of victims and families harmed across decades have pursued these judgments, including those affected by the 9/11 attacks where Iran was found liable.

In a recent ruling, a U.S. District Court awarded $573 million to representatives of American service members harmed by Iranian-backed insurgencies in Iraq. A pending case focuses on Iran’s role in Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Mistrulli stressed that pursuing these judgments is about justice rather than compensation.

Funds and Limitations

Victims have faced challenges collecting these large judgments as state sponsors of terrorism often resist payment. In response, Congress established the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to provide some compensation using federal penalties and authorized sources. However, about $10 billion has been disbursed since 2015, a fraction of what has been awarded in terrorism cases.

Aryeh Portnoy, an attorney representing victims, pointed to funding and enforcement issues as obstacles. He urged more governmental and congressional support to honor commitments made when allowing victims to litigate against terrorist states.

Portnoy highlighted Iran’s recurring role in state-sponsored terrorism, frequently backing groups like Hezbollah and ISIS. He noted, “In each of those cases, the actors themselves could be a terrorist organization… But behind those actors is always a state sponsor — and Iran is by far the biggest state sponsor of terrorism.”

A representative from the Iranian Embassy in Washington did not comment at the time of reporting.