The result left Iran with two points from their opening two Group G matches and still in contention to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time.
Ghalenoei said the achievement carried extra significance given the disruption that has surrounded Iran's preparations and participation in the tournament.
"We came to the World Cup in the worst conditions possible," Ghalenoei said. "We were in war conditions for six months; we didn't have our league operating. Many teams cancelled the games they would play against us.
"We've had two games without losing in the World Cup with the conditions that we've had. This will be written in the history of our football and future generations will talk about what we have achieved."
Iran's preparations were affected by cancelled friendlies and strict travel arrangements. Based in Tijuana, Mexico, the team has been required to fly into the United States shortly before matches and return immediately afterwards.
The squad arrived in the United States less than a day before facing Belgium and had limited time to train.
"We had less than 16 hours to do training before the game," Ghalenoei said. "Sixteen hours, two flights and a heavy game. I don't think anyone could have endured this. Our players have given everything."
Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh praised the character shown by the squad amid the challenges they have faced.
"From the other side, this is part of our culture that in a difficult situation we perform better," Jahanbakhsh said. "I think that united us even more."
Both Ghalenoei and Jahanbakhsh reserved special praise for goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, whose saves preserved Iran's clean sheet against Belgium.
"He is one of our greatest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football, and he had one of his best days today," Ghalenoei said. "He had the right concentration, and he gave us one very valuable point."
Iran now turn their attention to a decisive final group-stage clash against Egypt in Seattle on Friday.
"Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we focus on Egypt," Ghalenoei said. "Our first and utmost aim is to reach the next round."
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