A lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., alleges that the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel was “masterminded and funded by the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The suit, brought by 67 plaintiffs who were either victims of the attack or are family members of those affected, seeks at least $1 billion in damages.
The attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and numerous injuries. The plaintiffs claim that Iran bears direct responsibility for the October 7 attacks, a point considered undisputed in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, as Iran openly flaunted its motive for aiding the horrors.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argue that Iran, as a sworn enemy of Israel and the United States, strategically used Hamas to sabotage diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The lawsuit alleges that as potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia progressed, Iran sought to reset the regional balance by attempting to unite Arab states around the Palestinian cause. The law firm Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart and Sullivan LLP is handling the legal proceedings on behalf of the plaintiffs.
The legal action claims that the Iranian regime’s role in aiding Hamas was motivated by its geopolitical interests and opposition to diplomatic reconciliation between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation for the victims but also aims to hold Iran accountable for its alleged involvement in supporting terrorist activities.
Days after the October 7 attack, a senior Hamas official reportedly admitted to receiving assistance from Iran, adding a layer of acknowledgment to the claims made in the lawsuit. The case underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and raises legal questions about the liability of states in supporting non-state actors involved in acts of terrorism.