14 June, 2017
This is also the first time Iran has appeared in two successive World Cups.
"[The first World Cup] was a great experience, but I joined the team after they had qualified", added Jahanbakhsh. Obviously, the hosts proved in no shortage of motivation, dominating the proceedings throughout en route to triumph and progression.
Azmoun put his side in the lead in the 23rd minute before a goal from Taremi sealed Iran's progress to next year's finals two minutes from time.
Just three minutes into the second half, Iran striker Mehdi Taremi was brought down in the area but captain Masoud Shojaei failed to convert his penalty.
Iran has yet to concede a goal in qualifying. Second-placed Korea Republic, however, failed to extend their cushion on contenders Uzbekistan and Syria, losing 3-2 in Qatar.
President Hassan Rouhani hailed the qualification and thanked the players via twitter. "You made all of us proud", he twitted. With only pride to play for, the Iraqis fought back and equalised through Mahdi Kamil for a point.
A 1-1 draw with Thailand left the United Arab Emirates' World Cup bid hanging by a thread.
""I am very happy that we have qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row and that we have brought happiness to the Iranian people," said Taremi.
"On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran for their convincing and consistent campaign throughout the qualifiers to become the first Asian team to qualify for Russian Federation 2018". Uzbekistan sits third with 12 points.
The Iranians are unbeaten so far on the road to Russian Federation.
"It was a fantastic game today, we knew that it was going to be hard because Uzbekistan needed to win the game", said Jahanbakhsh, who went off at the interval after suffering a rib injury. "Whatever the result, we are going in the right direction".
