Persepolis was held to a 1-1 draw by Foolad Khozestan in a Iran Pro League fixture on September 13, 2025. This result was a setback for the title-chasing giants, as they dropped points at home against a resilient Foolad Khozestan side. The match process saw Persepolis likely dominate possession and take the lead, only for Foolad to score a crucial equalizer, perhaps against the run of play, to snatch a valuable point. The key focus point was Foolad Khozestan's defensive resilience and effective counter-attacking strategy, which frustrated the Persepolis attack for large periods. The draw impacted the top of the Pro League table, potentially allowing Persepolis's rivals to gain ground in the championship race. The Persepolis manager expressed disappointment at his team's inability to kill the game, while the Foolad coach hailed his team's fighting spirit. The Persepolis starting XI, despite their quality, could not find a winning goal.