Saeid Saharkhizan was on target for Esteghlal in the 30th minute at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium.
Foolad captain Sassan Ansari missed a penalty in the 84th minute and Foolad midfielder Sina Moridi was sent off three minutes later.
Esteghlal returned to the top with 19 points and a game in hand.
Sepahan defeated the 10-man Mes 3-0 in Rafsanjan courtesy of goals from Ehsan Haj Safi (45th), Arash Rezavand (55th) and Mohammad Askari (85th).