Victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism and their families are in Washington, seeking engagement with President Trump for compensation from Iran in any forthcoming peace negotiations. More than 100 individuals, including successful plaintiffs who have sued Iran in U.S. federal court, are part of this delegation. They are urging restitution for Iran’s involvement in major terrorist attacks, such as the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. service members, and various suicide bombings targeting Americans in regions like Israel.
The group, American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism United, expressed that American victims are often overlooked in public and documented negotiation frameworks. In a letter addressed to Mr. Trump, obtained by CBS News, they stated their request firmly adheres to ongoing U.S. policies. The coalition emphasizes that no agreement, whether temporary or lasting, should involve the release, transfer, unfreezing, or return of Iranian assets, or lift sanctions, without settling the unsettled terrorism judgments against Iran.
Angela Mistrulli, a key organizer of the gathering, stated the letter represents over 20,000 American victims affected by Iran-sponsored terrorism. She plans to personally deliver this letter at a White House meeting set for Tuesday. Her father, Joseph, was killed in the attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
If we can bankrupt terrorists, then there will be less American blood spilled. There should not be any funds returned to the terrorism regime.
Mistrulli asserted. In recent days, there has been a resurgence in fighting with Iran, halting initial peace efforts. The group’s initiative coincides with the mid-point of a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17 by Mr. Trump and Iran. The deal, negotiated with input from Vice President JD Vance, offers Iran release of frozen assets and sanctions relief if certain terms are met, like facilitating movement in the Strait of Hormuz and eliminating nuclear threats.
If it doesn’t get done in 60 days, that’s all right. We go back to bombing,
Mr. Trump declared post-deal signing. Vice President Vance described the MOU as beneficial for Americans, providing Iran a pathway back into the global economy. Yet, long-term negotiations lack momentum, leading to renewed U.S. military actions against Iran over a week ago.
Mistrulli highlighted that Iran, alongside regimes such as Syria and North Korea, are liable for up to $156 billion in judgments since the 1990s, following a law allowing terror victims to sue state sponsors internationally recognized as supporters of terrorism. Iran faces the highest financial penalty under this law. These plaintiffs span attacks across decades, including the 9/11 attacks where a federal judge held Iran accountable in 2018, asserting its support to the hijackers.
In a recent case, a U.S. District Court awarded $573 million to plaintiffs from American service members affected by Iranian-backed insurgencies in Iraq between 2003 and 2015. Another ongoing case involves Iran’s alleged involvement in Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Mistrulli remarked, “As a community, the judgments that we pursue are not pursued out of compensation. The compensation has been the only justice we can receive — and we don’t want another group to lose loved ones like we have.” Collecting awarded judgments remains challenging; sponsors of terrorism often resist payment. Congress established the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to partly aid qualifying victims, sourcing funds from federal penalties and forfeitures.
According to the fund’s site, over $10 billion has been disbursed since 2015, covering less than 10% of total awarded sums. Aryeh Portnoy, an attorney for thousands of terrorism victims, commented on obtaining relief through the fund is limited, with recipients receiving a fraction of the judgments.
Portnoy acknowledged enforcement difficulties, legal barriers, and underfunding as contributing factors to the shortfall. He stated, “There’s more work to be done, but it can be done.” He urged government and congressional intervention to support victims in fulfilling promises made when enabling legal pursuits against terrorist states.
Portnoy emphasized Iran’s significant role in terror sponsorship, having repeatedly surfaced as a primary supporter behind perpetrating terror acts, with entities like Hezbollah, ISIS, and Al Qaeda often involved under state backing. However, Iran emerges as the leading terror sponsor for the past 40 years.
An Iranian Embassy spokesperson declined immediate comments.