US members of Congress on Tuesday tabled the bipartisan Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization (SEIZE Act), a measure designed to fast-track the transfer of confiscated Iranian weapons to unspecified US partners.
The legislation, introduced by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), is co-led by Representatives Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Rich McCormick (GA-7). In the Senate, companion legislation was introduced by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Currently, weapons intercepted by US Central Command often face a year-long legal review process before they can be distributed. The SEIZE Act seeks to cut through that delay, ensuring seized arms can be redirected swiftly to bolster America’s allies.
“Iran — the world’s largest state-sponsor of terror — continues to arm proxies that threaten American troops, our bases, and our allies. The SEIZE Act ensures that when these illegal weapons are intercepted, they help our allies who need them, instead of our adversaries,” said Rep. Gottheimer.
“Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will cut through red tape, strengthen our strategic partnerships, keep Americans safe, and counter Iranian aggression.”
Rep. Jefferson Shreve described the bill as “commonsense legislation” that keeps weapons from “sitting idle” and instead puts them “where they belong: protecting America.”
“When the United States seizes illegal Iranian weapons, those weapons should be made available to support our security goals. The SEIZE Act makes sense and is a smart, bipartisan effort to ensure that these stockpiles are transferred quickly to trusted allies who are working every day to counter shared threats. This is a practical step that makes America, our servicemembers, and our partners safer,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, between May 2021 and January 2023, the US Navy intercepted shipments during maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea that included more than 9,000 rifles, 284 machine guns, 194 rocket launchers, 70 anti-tank guided missiles and 700,000 rounds of ammunition. The arms were destined for the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen.
Supporters of the SEIZE Act argue that ensuring these weapons are quickly transferred strengthens strategic partnerships and enhances collective defense at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East.
