A federal appeals court overturned a June 2017 jury verdict allowing the U.S. Department of Justice to seize a 36-story Manhattan office tower because it was effectively controlled by Iran. The previous verdict ruled that the nonprofit Alavi Foundation, a 60% owner of the building, was in violation of U.S. sanctions because it knew that Assa Corp, the 40% owner, was a front for Iran’s Bank Melli. The Justice Department hoped to sell the building, which is located at 650 Fifth Avenue, for as much as $1 billion and to give the proceeds to victims of Iranian bombings and other attacks. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned the verdict in a 3-0 decision, citing errors by the trial judge.