Iran International
A lawsuit filed in a US federal court on Monday by Jewish Anti-Defamation League (ADL), alleges Hamas could not have carried out the October 7 atrocities against Israel without the support of Iran, Syria and North Korea.
The landmark litigation was filed on behalf of more than 100 victims of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 250 people.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and National Director of the advocacy group ADL, told Iran International anchor Fardad Farahzad, that the goal is to hold the three countries accountable and to seek justice for the victims and their families.
It is also a means of recording the brutality perpetrated by Hamas and its supporters to combat disinformation in an age of “denialism”, said Greenblatt.
“We will prove beyond a reasonable doubt the role that Iran, Syria, North Korea have played in propping up and preparing, supporting and training Hamas, allowing them to commit on Oct. 7th the worst act of terrorism in generations, the bloodiest day experienced by the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” he said.
Iran has not just been an ally of Hamas, but has also provided material, financial and tactical support to its proxy group according to experts.
On October 26, 2023, US Congressman Bill Huizenga, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, stated that Iran funds roughly 93% of Hamas’ budget which is about $350 million dollars per year.
In 2018, the US State Department report stated that Iran funds around $100 million a year to groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The evidence gathered was made up of open-source intelligence, and also evidence that was uncovered and not widely known, according to Greenblatt.
“North Korean armaments that were found on the ground in Gaza. And we've got more that we'll be sharing further. This is an explosive case, and it will be impossible for the regime to deny the role that it played in this horrible event,” he stated to Farahzad,
International human rights lawyer Gissou Nia said the inclusion of North Korea is unique, but not unheard of.
"There have also been actions against North Korea. They're not quite as frequent. We see that the actions against the Islamic Republic or the Syrian regime, far outstrip the number against North Korea. But this is not a first. And I think that the report about North Korean weapons that were allegedly used in Hamas's attack on Oct. 7th is what is precipitating, North Korea being included here.”
An Associated Press investigation in October stated that Hamas likely fired weapons produced by North Korea on Oct. 7. North Korea has previously denied the link.
The ADL’s 117 page complaint also seeks to establish that North Korea advised Hamas on its extensive tunnel network, which was used during the attack.
They are also trying to prove close ties between Syria and Hamas. During the decade-long Syrian civil war, Hamas, at one point sided with the opposition but Syrian President Bashar al-Assad restored ties with Hamas in 2022, under the guidance of Iran.
Nia said US nationals can bring a suit against Iran, Syria and North Korea which are three of the four countries listed on the US State Department’s State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Foreign governments are generally considered beyond the jurisdiction of US courts, but the terrorism exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) allows the courts to hold these countries accountable, where immunity is not absolute.
Since the US doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Iran, the US would effectuate service via the US Interests Sections, or with countries that are acting on behalf of these countries to make sure they are served.
Nia said typically these countries do not send any counsel to defend in the courts and that results in a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs. Families typically won't see the recovery in millions of dollars in assets from these three countries, said Nia.
“There are practically no Islamic Republic assets available in the US. There really aren't Syrian regime assets, nor are there North Korea assets. So they would not be getting those assets directly from the regimes at this point, and instead they would be paid out by a victims' fund,” she said.
Greenblatt told anchor Fardad Farahzad, that the families will get "some financial recompense” through the US Victims Fund of State sponsored terror and will receive “some degree of justice.”
The 2015 Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act established the US Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, whose funds can be disbursed to victims.
The ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt said the Islamic Republic regime "will pay for their crimes."
The leap highlights the kingdom's successful diversification of its economy away from oil dependency, driven by the Vision 2030 plan.
In contrast, Iran's economy continues to suffer under the weight of international sanctions, which have crippled its oil revenue streams. Iran's annual oil revenue stands at around $37 billion, almost on par with Saudi Arabia's PIF profit, but the actual cash income from crude exports to China remains undisclosed, raising suspicions about the transparency and efficiency of Iran's economic and oil export policies.
Total revenues for PIF more than doubled to $88.3 billion last year from $44 billion in 2022, driven by improvements in investment and non-investment activities across sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and gaming. Increased dividends also played a significant role in the growth. This diversification showcases Saudi Arabia's strategic approach to reducing its reliance on oil, which contrasts with Iran's continued dependence on fossil fuel revenues.
Iran's National Development Fund (NDF), established in the early 2000s to save part of oil revenues for future generations, has seen its reserves depleted. Iran's autocratic policies and economic mismanagement have led to repeated withdrawals from the NDF, especially during times of international sanctions. Despite the NDF's original purpose, the fund has been used to offset the country's budget shortfalls, highlighting a lack of foresight and planning.
With around $925 billion in assets under management, PIF is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's chosen vehicle to drive an ambitious economic agenda aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy. The Vision 2030 plan has funneled hundreds of billions of dollars into projects like NEOM, a massive urban and industrial development along the Red Sea coast. This project alone aims to create a high-tech hub nearly the size of Belgium, underscoring the kingdom's commitment to a future less dependent on oil.
Critics argue that Iran needs to shift towards knowledge and technology to create a sustainable economic model. However, research investment in Iranian companies remains below one percent, a contrast to the four percent recommended by experts. This lack of investment in innovation further hampers Iran's economic prospects.
Despite the lifting of most crippling sanctions in 2015 following a nuclear agreement, Iran continued to tap into its NDF reserves. During President Hassan Rouhani’s tenure (2013-2021), $30 billion was withdrawn. As former US President Donald Trump re-imposed sanctions, Iran increasingly relied on its reserves, resulting in a negative cash flow in the NDF. This persistent reliance on the NDF to shore up government finances has left the fund in a precarious state, undermining its intended purpose of providing for future generations.
Under late hardliner President Ebrahim Raisi, the pace of withdrawals from the NDF has only accelerated, further undermining Iran’s economic stability. His administration faced criticism for failing to implement necessary economic reforms and for continuing policies that have led to increased international isolation and economic hardship. This mismanagement stands in contrast to Saudi Arabia's strategic investments and economic reforms through the PIF, which showcase a forward-thinking approach that has strengthened its financial standing on the global stage.
The Iranian government's prioritization of its nuclear program and regional proxy conflicts over domestic well-being has left the country economically vulnerable and politically isolated, while its regional rival Saudi Arabia looks to a future of more investments and growth.