The result leaves Iran’s quarter-final ambitions hinging on Wednesday’s clash against Chinese Taipei, which is likely to be pivotal to both sides’ knockout stage hopes.
Iran earned a valuable 0-0 draw against India on Thursday in Group A.
China returned to the scene of Thursday’s 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei eager to build on its fast start, and it quickly assumed control against a deep-lying Iranian defense.
China won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup a record seven consecutive teams between 1986 and 1999, but hasn’t added to its tally since lifting the 2006 title in Australia.