India, May 24 -- 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, as the United States has weighed a new round of attacks on the Islamic Republic.

Iran signalled "narrowing differences" in negotiations with the US after Pakistan's army chief held more talks in Tehran, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists in India that "there's been some progress made" and "there may be news later today." The officials and diplomats expressed hope that a final decision on the Pakistan-prepared draft could come within 48 hours as both sides review it.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief...