Kevin Yamga scored the winner for the Blues from the penalty spot with four minutes remaining.
In Tabriz, Tractor and Mes Kerman shared the spoils in a goalless draw.
The match between Aluminum and Gol Gohar Sirjan was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Arak.
Esteghlal sits second with 26 points in the Iran Professional League due to an inferior goal difference than Persepolis.