It was fifth victory in a row for Ali Daei’s men in the Iranian Professional League (IPL).
Foolad of Khuzestan gave a good performance in the first half and put Tehran’s most famous team under some pressure.
In the second half, Persepolis put up a better show and created some good opportunities but its strikers could not take full advantage of them.
Khalili’s header was simply majestic in the 72nd minute. Ebrahim Shakkouri crossed the ball into Foolad’s penalty box and Persepolis striker scored his sixth goal in the current season.
Persepolis is third in the IPL standing table with 49 points. Sepahan of Isfahan lies first with 55 points and one game in hand. Zob Ahan is the second with 52 points.
Sepahan is scheduled to play Traktorsazi of Tabriz on Saturday.