Iran hostages still seeking restitution more than 40 years after crisis

On this day 42 years ago, Iranian students and militants stormed the American embassy in Tehran. They held 52 American diplomats, military and state department workers for 444 days before releasing them.

After they finally returned home, former hostages tried to sue the Iranian government for damages. But any lawsuits went nowhere because of the Algiers Accords, the legally binding agreement that the U.S. and Iran negotiated as part of the hostages' release.

It wasn't until 2015 that the hostages were promised restitution — $4.4 million each — in legislation passed by Congress and signed by former President Barack Obama. But almost none of that money has been paid to them. And now the fund is now out of money because it was opened up to other victims of terrorism and surviving families.

Kate Koob and Barry Rosen, two former hostages, join us.