All seven Iranians freed under a prisoner exchange have opted to stay in the United States for the time being, according to U.S. officials.
The Obama administration announced over the weekend a deal to free the seven in exchange for Iran's release of four imprisoned Americans.
The Iranians — Nader Modanloo, Bahram Mechanic, Khosro Afghahi, Arash Ghahraman, Touraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh and Ali Sabounchi — were described as non-violent offenders who had violated the trade embargo with Tehran. Six have dual Iranian-American citizenship.
U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that, following their release, none of the seven had left the States — nor were they required to do so.
The Americans released under the prisoner exchange, meanwhile, have yet to return to the U.S. and remain at a military base in Germany for evaluations.
One briefly spoke to journalists on Tuesday, saying he felt "born again" thanks to the prisoner swap.
"I feel really lucky. I feel alive for the first time," said Marine veteran Amir Hekmati.
