Seizing Iranian government assets
Rubin v. Islamic Republic of Iran
In brief
The Supreme Court upheld the Seventh Circuit's ruling in the dispute over whether §1610(g) alone let creditors seize Iranian property.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 8-0 · February 21, 2018 · Opinion by Justice Sotomayor
- What it’s about
- People holding terrorism-related judgments against Iran sought to seize Iranian property under Section 1610(g), even if no other provision of Section 1610 allowed seizure.
- Who it affects
- The Seventh Circuit's ruling remains in place for the judgment creditors who sought to seize Iranian property in this case.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court agreed with the Seventh Circuit that Section 1610(g) is not enough on its own and affirmed its ruling; creditors must meet a separate exception to the law’s protection of foreign-state property.
The creditors already held terrorism-related judgments against Iran and sought property to collect them.
Question presented
Whether 28 U.S.C. § 1610(g) provides a freestanding attachment immunity exception that allows terror victim judgment creditors to attach and execute upon assets of foreign state sponsors of terrorism regardless of whether the assets are otherwise subject to execution under section 1610.
What the Court decided
Holding
Adjudged to be AFFIRMED. Sotomayor, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which all other Members joined, except Kagan, J., who took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.
- Result
- Affirmed
The vote
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished its review, and the Seventh Circuit's ruling remains in place.
Documents
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
Case data updated: question_presented, extraction_metadata
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Opinion added: Rubin
Opinion added: opinion
Brief added: Questions Presented
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.