In the match held in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Saturday, the Blues missed the chance to close the gap on IPL leader Sepahan to two points.
Hossein Abdi scored an early goal for Rah Ahan in the second minute of the match with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area.
Rah Ahan’s Hossein Kazemi was on target in the 16th minute, heading the ball into back of the Esteghlal net.
Jlloyd Samuel pulled a goal back for Esteghlal nine minutes later, kicking a loose ball into the goal.
Esteghlal defender Pejman Montazeri equalized the match in the 53rd minute.
Esteghlal is second in the IPL standings table with 48 points, four points adrift of Sepahan.
Elsewhere, Shahin was held to a 1-1 draw by Sanat Naft and Zob Ahan defeated Saba 2-1.