US loses attempt to delay claims on Iranian assets

The Carter administration has lost a plea in federal court to delay 96 cases involving multibillion-dollar claims by American banks and corporation on Iranian assets until the hostage crisis is over. A district judge also confirmed orders of attachment obtained by the banks and companies against Iranian assets to prevent their removal. The attachments are steps by banks and corporations that claim that civil wrongs by the Iranians, ranging from the nationalization of property to breach of contract, can ensure their share of Iranian assets deposited in US banks.