Reza Habibzadeh gave the host a lead in the 24th minute with a header but was immediately rushed to hospital with a broken jaw.
Vouria Ghaffouri equalized the match on a counter attack in the 43rd minute.
Zob Ahan Honduran striker Eddie Hernández was on target just before the halftime.
Ghaffouri netted his second goal in the 56th minute following Zob Ahan players’ mistakes.
Zob Ahan defender Vahid Mohammadzadeh was sent off in the 76th minute after receiving his second yellow card.
Esteghlal defender Mohammad Daneshgar was also shown his second yellow card in added time.
Elsewhere, Saipa suffered a 3-0 defeat against Paykan, Esteghlal Khuzestan lost to Padideh 2-1 and Pars Jonoubi beat Naft Masjed Soleyman 2-0.
On Friday, Persepolis will host Foolad, Tractor Sazi meet Nassaji, Sepidrood face Sepahan and Sanat Naft play Gostaresh Foolad.