Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute when he miskicked a ball backward and then fouled Mehdi Taremi to prevent the Iran star from getting a clean breakaway scoring chance.
Iran couldn't capitalize, and Belgium actually generated better scoring chances down the stretch -- but both teams left with their second straight draw in group play.
Neither team will feel good about the result.
During a tumultuous World Cup trip affected by travel restrictions and visa denials from the US, Iran will regret missing a golden opportunity to beat a European powerhouse sitting 10th in FIFA's world rankings while playing before a loud, supportive crowd, ESPN reported.
Iran returned to the Los Angeles area for their second straight match in front of a crowd packed with fans supporting Team Melli.
The team's World Cup cycle has been chaotic ever since the US began its war of aggression in Iran on February 28. The Iranians moved their training base from Arizona to Mexico, and the team is operating under travel restrictions requiring them to leave Los Angeles only hours after both matches, infuriating coach Amir Ghalenoei.
With so many preparation obstacles, Ghalenoei leaned on experience against Belgium, sending out the oldest starting 11 at a World Cup match since 1966.
Romelu Lukaku was a surprise addition to Belgium's starting lineup, playing the first 73 minutes and recording one shot. The Red Devils' career goals leader missed nearly all of his club season at Napoli with a hamstring injury, and he played as a substitute against Egypt on Monday.