Reza Asadi scored the only goal of the match in Isfahan’s Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium in the 70th minute.
Persepolis striker Shahab Zahedi received his second yellow card in the injury time.
Earlier in the day, Zob Ahan defeated Nassaji 2-1 in Ghaemshahr and climbed to second place.
Esteghlal is IPL leader with 22 points, followed by Zob Ahan (18) and Persepolis (17), respectively.