Flag debate divides diaspora as Iran begin World Cup with New Zealand draw

Summary

Iran kicked off their World Cup with a tense 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Overcoming several hurdles sparked by the US-Iran war, the team's participation and representation in the Group G matches has been at the heart of multiple controversies, among them is FIFA's ban on the use of Iran's pre-revolutionary flag, which has left the Iranian community in Los Angeles divided.