Federal Court Issues $1.99 Billion in Swinney Judgment for U.S. Service Members and Gold Star Families
If you served in Iraq or Afghanistan and were wounded by enemy action, you may have legal rights you don’t know about and compensation you haven’t claimed.
On June 1, 2026, a federal court issued another major judgment in Swinney v. Islamic Republic of Iran, ongoing litigation holding Iran financially accountable for militia-backed attacks on U.S. service members. The ruling awarded $1,994,631,540.00 in damages covering 45 terrorist attacks against U.S. service members during the War on Terror. The court found Iran responsible for funding, training, and supporting the terrorist groups that carried out those attacks.
“Today, a federal court granted another landmark judgment, totaling $1,994,631,540.00 in compensation, relating to 45 terrorist attacks against U.S. service members during the War on Terror. The court found Iran responsible for funding, training, and supporting terrorist groups which perpetrated these attacks. For the veterans and Gold Star families AWKO represents relating to attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan, this judgment is validation that their sacrifice is to be honored and that the people responsible will answer for their actions. Too many veterans and Gold Star families still do not know they have legal rights, or that the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund exists. Our mission is to reach every eligible veteran and family member who is still carrying the weight of these attacks and make sure they know they don’t have to face this process alone. “
Doug Kreis, founding partner at Aylstock Witkin Kreis & Overholtz, who represents victims and their families across this litigation.
The Litigation
AWKO is Creating a Record of Accountability
In May 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued its first judgment in Swinney, covering 12 victims and resulted in a judgment of $573,399,310.
The June 2026 ruling covers 45 additional attacks and awards damages to 55 veterans and family members. Combined, the two judgments total $2,568,030,850. For the veterans and Gold Star families AWKO represents, this ruling is validation. It confirms that the accountability established in the first judgment is not a one-time outcome.
More rulings are coming.
Who This Litigation Covers
The War on Terror Combat Litigation serves U.S. military veterans, government contractors, and their families who served in Afghanistan (2001–2017) or Iraq (2003–2011) and were killed or wounded by enemy action. Eligible methods of engagement include IEDs, rocket and mortar fire, sniper fire, and complex ambushes.
If You Served
Many veterans still don’t know they have legal rights or that the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund exists as a path to compensation. If you or a family member served in Iraq or Afghanistan and were killed or wounded by enemy action, you may be eligible.
AWKO’s Anti-Terrorism Team is led by LtCol Andrew Del Gaudio, USMC (Ret.), PhD, a 26-year Marine Infantry officer decorated with the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and the Purple Heart for six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The team includes two dozen military veterans across every branch of service. Taking care of our own is the mission. Call our Anti-Terrorism Team at (850) 202-1010, extension 846 to learn how you can keep fighting!