Sepahan, which has already claimed the league title, beat Paykan 2-1 at home.
An injury-time winner by Farhad Majidi helped Esteqlal replace Zob Ahan in second place with 58 points -- 8 points behind Sepahan.
Zob Ahan was held to a 1-1 draw against Foulad to stand in third place on level points with Esteqlal but with a lower goal difference.
Persepolis lost 3-1 to relegated Abumoslem to remain in fourth place and failed to reach the AFC Champions League for the second consecutive year.
Thursday match results
Sepahan 2:1 Paykan
Abumoslem 3:1 Persepolis
Esteqlal 1:0 Rah Ahan
Steel Azin 1:1 Mes
Moqavemat 0:1 Shahin
Teraktor 2:1 Esteqlal Ahvaz
Foulad 1:1 Zob Ahan
Saipa 3:0 Pas
Malavan 1:3 Saba
