Reuters: Russia and Iran will sign a "road map" to outline long-term energy cooperation, Russia's energy ministry said on Tuesday, as Moscow's investments in Iran are stalled because of international sanctions.

New York Times: The Iranian government declared a sudden, two-day national holiday on Sunday and Monday, after a long-simmering dispute between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Tehran bazaar erupted last week, leaving one prominent merchant dead, according to opposition Web sites.

Los Angeles Times: Germany's emerging status as a global political power shines a light on its substantial dealings with Iran, putting its aspiration to be a diplomatic heavyweight at odds with its economic interests.

Reuters: With shops that sell everything from herbs and spices to carpets and gems now firmly closed, Tehran's Grand Bazaar is on strike with merchants warning that higher taxes could force them to shut down for good.