Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a thrilling World Cup group stage match at Los Angeles Stadium. The game was played against a charged backdrop of protests against the Tehran regime and a peace deal allegedly ending the US-Iran war.

Heavy security and demonstrations outside the venue marked the off-field atmosphere. New Zealand took an early lead through Elijah Just's volley after a pass from Chris Wood. Some anti-regime fans celebrated with New Zealand supporters.

These protesters reportedly carried Iran's pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag, violating FIFA rules. Several also booed Iran's national anthem before kickoff.

However, the majority of the 70,000-plus crowd strongly backed Team Melli, chanting "Iran! Iran!" and erupting when Ramin Rezaeian equalized. Rezaeian, who had not played club football since February due to US and Israeli airstrikes, reacted quickest to a blocked shot.

Wood and Just combined again early in the second half, but Iran responded with a superb header from Mohammad Mohebbi to make it 2-2. The draw leaves all teams in Group G with one point after Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt.

New Zealand remain winless in seven World Cup matches, while Iran seek their first knockout stage appearance. The match exposed divisions among Iranian-American fans torn between pride and anger over the regime's crackdown and US bombing campaign.

Source: www.aljazeera.com