Iman Salimi gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute with a header and Argentine midfielder Gustavo Blanco made the scoreboard 2-0 also with a header in the 50th minute.
Esteghlal remained top with 22 points, five points adrift of Persepolis, who have one game in hands.
Earlier in the day, Havadar defeated Sanat Naft 2-0 in Abadan.
On Sunday, Sepahan will host Persepolis in Isfahan and Nassaji meet Zob Ahan in Ghaemshahr.
MNA/TT