WASHINGTON — Obama administration officials say the United States is pressing embattled ally Hosni Mubarak to institute a set of key reforms in Egypt.

The most significant is credible presidential elections in September, preferably without the 82-year-old leader as a candidate.

Two American officials say the other gestures the U.S. is seeking are for Mubarak to lift emergency laws in place since 1981, allow nongovernmental organizations to operate and free political prisoners.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of diplomacy and the difficult situation the Obama administration finds itself in. It is trying to usher in an orderly transition to democracy without alienating pro-democracy protesters or its ally of more than three decades.