U.S. and Iran Near Draft Agreement to End War

The United States and Iran are close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war, two regional officials and a diplomat said Saturday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. They expressed hope that a final decision on the Pakistan-prepared draft could come within 48 hours.

Iran signaled narrowing differences after Pakistan's army chief held talks in Tehran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists in India that progress had been made and there may be news later today. Iran state TV quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as describing the draft as a framework agreement.

He said the text includes lifting sanctions on Tehran and covers the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said nuclear issues are not part of the current talks. He added that ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, remains the priority.

Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner played significant roles in bridging gaps, the officials said. Qatar sent a senior official to Tehran to support Pakistan's mediation efforts. Iran's parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said after meeting Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir that Iran has rebuilt military assets after weeks of war and a fragile ceasefire.

U.S. forces had turned away more than 100 commercial vessels and disabled four since the blockade began April 13. U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.