Iran took its diplomatic offensive to the Middle East’s business and political elite at the the weekend, deploying its politicians at a high-profile conference to make its case as it fights off international pressure over its nuclear programme.

Iranian officials, including Manouchehr Mottaki, the foreign minister, were present for the first time at the World Economic Forum conference at the Dead Sea Resort in Jordan attended by business and political leaders, including Israeli delegates. Tzipi Livni, Israeli foreign minister, however cancelled her attendance.