The U.S. may soon receive $600 million worth of Iranian oil that was seized earlier in the war, putting an ancient body of maritime law back in focus
The legal channel the administration is using to seize the tankers is known as prize law and has its roots in the Middle Ages.
Three Iranian oil tankers have been making their way to the United States after being seized by U.S. naval forces during President Donald Trump's blockade. The Tifani and Majestic X ships were first boarded in the Indian Ocean in April, and the Lenore and Davina were intercepted in June. Each tanker can hold 2 million barrels of crude oil.
The seized oil is valued at nearly $600 million, according to Tanker Trackers. The U.S. initiated its naval blockade in April, targeting ships entering and leaving Iranian ports. The legal process for seizing the tankers is known as prize law, which has its roots in medieval times. Unlike civil seizure laws, prize law doesn't require a warrant or tie a seizure to a violation of an existing statute.
The Defense Department can seize an enemy vessel instead. If the tankers reach a U.S. port, likely along the Texas coast, the Justice Department will adjudicate the disposition of the captured vessels and cargo.
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