The US Department of Justice is preparing to reactivate dormant maritime prize courts to seize Iranian oil tankers and cargo as part of an Iran blockade. These courts would provide federal prosecutors with a faster mechanism to claim goods taken from enemy or neutral vessels, with proceeds from sales transferred to the Treasury. Aaron Reitz, US attorney in Houston, confirmed that officials are reviving these courts, an ancient system of maritime law dating back to the 18th century. The system has been largely dormant since World War II and is expected to face legal challenges from ship owners and victims of Iranian terrorism.
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