In the Iranian capital, a ripple of optimism is spreading over whether the Geneva talks will lead to a lifting of sanctions.

World powers are reportedly considering easing some measures while leaving certain restrictions in place if Iran takes verifiable steps to rein in its atomic programme.

One Tehran resident said it was welcome news: “I heard they were expected to reach an agreement. We hope that, God willing, they reach a deal and the sanctions are lifted.”

But others believes Tehran should stick to its position: “Their goal is to make Iran stop enriching (uranium) up to 20 percent and continue at 3.5 percent. This is not good at all. It takes us back to 30 years ago when they used to tell us, ‘Don’t do anything, we’ll give you everything’. But if we rely on them we’ll never make any progress.”

But many Western powers believe even tougher, crippling sanctions will force Iran to remain at the talks table and abandon its alleged nuclear weapons programme.