New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, as diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict showed little sign of progress and crude oil prices rose amid growing uncertainty over regional supply routes.

"The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon." President Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

The renewed warning came as Iran signalled that it had yet to decide whether to resume negotiations with the US. The lack of movement on the diplomatic front, combined with disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has kept pressure on oil markets.

Brent crude futures climb...