Honduras appeared closer to ending its political crisis after arm-twisting by Washington led to a deal allowing the country's Congress to determine whether ousted President Manuel Zelaya can return to power.

The deal, struck late Thursday, calls for Congress -- in consultation with the Supreme Court -- to vote on whether Mr. Zelaya can return to his post and serve out his term, which ends in January. The president was forced out of power at gunpoint on June 28. Former congressional leader Roberto Micheletti became interim...