Swiss block $2 million of late Shah's assets

Swiss authorities have blocked $2.7 million worth of the late Shah of Iran's bank deposits which the Iranian government claims. An attachment order on the funds was obtained by two Swiss lawyers engaged by the Iranian National Bank to search for money and property held in Switzerland by the late Shah and his family. Iran, which claims that the Shah's Swiss holdings belong to the Iranian people, will have to fight a formal court battle to obtain any of the money.

Meanwhile, in US district courts the Justice Department has filed requests for 30-day delays in cases involving an estimated 388 claims by US banks and companies against Iranian assets.

And on Capitol Hill, a bill has been introduced to allow American citizens and corporations to sue a foreign government for compensation for injuries inflicted by that government.