The Iraqis took the lead after 12 minutes through Qatar-based hitman Younes Mahmoud, but Gholamreza Rezai equalized for Iran before the break.

A cross-freekick from Iman Mobali accidentally went in with just five minutes remaining to win the game for Iran and down the champions.

Zamalek striker Emad Mohamed, who is on loan at Iran’s Shahin Bushehr, played most of the game for Iraq but couldn’t help the Gulf nation throughout 82 minutes.

Iran lead the group with three points as UAE and North Korea share second place, following a goalless draw earlier.