High court to hear Iranian bank appeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Iran’s central bank over a $1.75 billion judgment awarded to victims of terrorist attacks, including the 1983 bombing that killed 241 Marines in Lebanon.

The justices say they will reconsider an appeals court ruling that said the judgment against Bank Markazi could be distributed to several hundred victims and families of those killed or injured in attacks sponsored by the Iranian government.

The bank had argued that seizing the assets would conflict with treaty agreements between the U.S.and Iran. The money is in the custody or a court-appointed trustee after President Barack Obama in 2012 ordered Iranian assets blocked, including those of Bank Markazi.

Each family was expected to receive about $5 million after attorney fees.