Washington DC, July 9 -- The White House has defended its handling of Iran's visa restrictions during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, with top official Andrew Giuliani saying that the Iranian squad's decision to change its tournament base from the US to Tijuana in Mexico proved to be beneficial for both parties.

Iran ended their WC campaign with a third-place in Group G, with three draws in three games against Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand, including a brave goalless draw against Belgium, one of the strongest sides of the tournament. Iran's WC campaign was also marked by a lot of controversies.

Iran's participation in the tournament had been in doubt for months after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on the country in Februa...