Under international sanctions for its controversial nuclear programme, Iran has faced down further Western attempts at economic and diplomatic isolation by hosting this year’s meeting of the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and is seeking to reap the benefits, reports the BBC’s Mohsen Asgari in Tehran.

As Tehran prepares for some 7,000 visitors to descend on the city, a five-day public holiday has been called to clear the city of its stifling traffic and pollution.

Many families in the city have made the best use of the conference to take a long holiday at the end of summer while schools are still closed.

The northern part of the capital has been beautified, with lamp-posts and road markings freshly painted in shining blue and signs displaying doves of peace.

Placards, banners and posters declaring “The Non-Aligned Movement is a symbol of independence throughout the world” or “Lasting peace through joint global governance” are visible everywhere.

For Iran, the NAM conference is an important opportunity to portray itself as…

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