Esteghlal defeated Zob Ahan 2-1 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
Farshid Esmaeili netted a brace in the second half and Darko Bjedov was on target for Zob Ahan.
Foolad also booked its place in the next stage courtesy of two goals from Shervin Bozorg against Qashqai of Shiraz.
Mohammad Khademi scored for first tier Qashqai.
In Arak, Aluminum defeated Tractor 2-0. Amir Houshmand and Meysam Majidi (penalty) were on target for the host.