The Iranian team, who had lost its first two matches against Australia and USA, defeated Algeria 81-47 at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza in Tokyo.
Iran will play Britain and Germany in Pool B as well.
The competition began on August 25 and will continue until September 5 at two venues in Tokyo: Musashino Forest Sports Plaza for the group matches and Ariake Arena for the finals.
The top four of the six teams in each group go through to quarters.