TEHRAN: The United States and Iran could strike a deal to end the Middle East war as early as Sunday, Washington’s top diplomat said, while Tehran insisted the agreement would do nothing to limit its nuclear program. Washington and Tehran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the US has blockaded Iran’s ports.

The United States and Iran are close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war, according to two regional officials and a diplomat.

Senior US and Iranian officials said on Saturday they could be close to a breakthrough in talks to strike a draft deal to end the war in the Middle East. Iran said gaps remain…