US President Donald Trump has threatened to cancel a trade deal with the United Kingdom, deepening tensions between the two countries amid disagreements over possible military action against Iran, reports "Reuters".
In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Trump said the US had offered London "a good trade deal" that was "better than I ever had", but warned that it "could always be changed".
The comments come amid growing dissatisfaction in Washington with Britain's stance against military escalation with Iran. Trump also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, questioning the sustainability of the so-called "special relationship" between the two countries.
"This is the relationship where: when we asked them for help, they weren't there. When we needed them, they weren't there. When we didn't need them, they weren't there. And they're still not there," Trump said.
The threat comes 11 months after the signing of a trade agreement under which the United States agreed to reduce tariffs on British cars, steel and aerospace products in exchange for market access for beef and bioethanol.
As the first anniversary of the deal approaches, some of the agreed relief - including the complete elimination of tariffs on British steel - has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, the future of the Technology Prosperity Agreement, negotiated during Trump's visit to the UK in September, remains uncertain.
The US president also used the interview to criticise London's energy policy, including the decision to restrict new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
"I think he [Starmer] made a tragic mistake by shutting down oil drilling in the North Sea," Trump said. "You see, your energy prices are the highest in the world."
The remarks come at a sensitive time ahead of Charles III's planned state visit to the US later this month. Despite criticism of the government, Trump described the monarch as a "great gentleman" and "friend".