A significant development in Swinney v. Islamic Republic of Iran came on June 1, 2026, when a federal court awarded nearly $2 billion in damages involving 45 terrorist attacks against U.S. service members during the War on Terror. This decision followed a separate $573 million judgement in 2025.
Veterans who suffered injuries, or families who lost loved ones, because of enemy attacks in Iraq or Afghanistan may have legal options beyond VA disability compensation. These cases involve claims seeking financial accountability for militia-based attacks against U.S. service members during the War on Terror.
The War on Terror Litigation involves claims brought on behalf of the U.S. military veterans, service members, Department of Defense contractors, and their families who were injured or lost loved ones as a result of militia-based attacks during combat operations in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The litigation alleges that Iran provided support, including funding, weapons, and training, to terrorist organizations responsible for attacks against U.S. personnel during the War on Terror and seeks to hold the Iranian government financially responsible.
Potentially eligible individuals may include U.S. military veterans, service members, Department of Defense contractors, and certain family members who were affected by qualifying enemy attacks.
Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of the attack, the individual’s service, and the requirements applicable to the litigation and available compensation programs.
Swinney, et al. v. Islamic Republic of Iran, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-02316, is a federal litigation brought on behalf of U.S. service members, government contractors, and their families.  It seeks to hold Iran financially responsible for supporting groups that injured or killed U.S. personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Foreign governments are generally protected from lawsuits in U.S. courts. However, federal law provides an exception for certain claims involving countries that support terrorism.
Attorneys continue to investigate and file claims on behalf of veterans and qualifying family members. More rulings are in progress.
A federal court issued a judgement of nearly $2 billion, covering 45 terrorist attacks and 55 veterans and family members.
The first Swinney judgement awarded approximately $573.4 million to 12 service members injured in Iran-backed attacks.
The Swinney lawsuit was filed to hold Iran financially responsible for its alleged support of terrorist attacks against U.S. service members.
Iran was ordered to pay $1.8 billion to families who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks following a federal court that found Iran’s support of al-Qaeda.
Many veterans are familiar with VA disability benefits but may not know that separate legal claims or compensation programs could apply to injuries resulting from terrorist attacks.
If a veteran or family was seriously injured or lost their life because of enemy action during service in Iraq or Afghanistan, it may be worth determining whether the circumstances meet the requirements for this litigation or another available compensation program.
Greene & Marusak’s objective is to get veterans the maximum benefits they are entitled to.
