Russia had a 19-point lead in the first quarter, but Iran managed to win the second and third quarters to narrow the gap to eight points.
"For some reason at halftime, we decided to go to sleep," said Russia's coach David Blatt.
Russia regained dominance in the fourth quarter, which ended 25-11 in Russia's favor.
Samad Nikkhah Bahrami was Iran's top scorer with 16 points while Mehdi Kamrani and Hamed Haddadi scored 11 and nine points respectively.
"I have to be satisfied with the game," said Iran's coach Rajko Toroman.
The final score 'looks like it was an easy game for Russia, but it was not', he said.
In the same group on Sunday, Lithuania and Australia will face Argentina and Croatia respectively.
| 
ISP in Dubai: Daei’s eleven
IFF fires Nikolic
Peyrovani named Persepolis coach
Persepolis coach Ghotbi resigns
KSA 0-2 KOR: Koreans go two points clear
BHR 0-1 AUS: Bresciano breaks Bahrain hearts
Iran karate athlete wins bronze
Haddadi yet to play in NBA
Exclusive Interview with Afshin Ghotbi:
ISP Exclusive Interview with Amir
Anatomy of a Problem
Iran – North Korea: Positives and Negatives
