Behnam Barzay scored the only goal of the match just eight minutes into the match in Mashhad’s Emam Reza Stadium.
With three weeks remaining, Esteghlal remained in third place with 50 points, six points behind IPL leader Persepolis.
In Abadan, Sanat Naft defeated struggling Naft Masjed Soleyman 3-1 thanks to goals from Taleb Reykani (21st), Mohammad Ghoreishi (89th) and Reza Jabireh (90th).
Hakim Nasari scored for Naft Masjed Soleyman in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot.
Persepolis sits top of the table with 56 points. Sepahan is second with 51 points. Esteghlal remained in third place with 50 points and Tractor Sazi and Padideh are fourth and fifth with 49 points.