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Iran orders US to pay $4bn compensation for assassination of nuclear scientists

IRAN has ordered the United States to pay more than $4 billion (£3.2bn) in compensation to the families of nuclear scientists killed in targeted attacks on recent years. 

A court in Tehran made the ruling on Thursday after a case was brought by the families of three of the scientists and another that was injured in an attack. 

Iran has in the past blamed Israel for such killings, including that of the country’s top nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Mahabadi in November 2020. 

Tehran insists he was killed by the Israeli government with the knowledge of and support from the US government in a road ambush using an autonomous satellite operated gun. 

The Iranian government blasted the assassination as “an act of state terror” and has vowed revenge for Mr Mahabadi’s death. 

Tel Aviv was mentioned in the hearing which referred to US support for the “zionist regime” in its “organised crime” against the slain scientists. 

It is not clear how Thursday’s ruling can be enforced. The United States has no assets in Iran and is extremely unlikely to admit responsibility or make any voluntary payments. 

The court, which is investigating numerous claims against the US, has previously summoned 37 former US officials, including former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, former Iran envoy Brian Hook and former defence secretary Ashton Carter.

US officials are also held responsible for the death of Iranian Quds Force Commander general Qassem Soleimani who was assassinated in a drone strike at Baghdad International airport in January 2020 which was authorised by Mr Trump.

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