This Is Why

A "continuity candidate" or the ultimate "nepo baby"?
Iran’s new supreme leader is Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric and son of the previous ayatollah.
Khamenei was once described as "the power behind the robes" in his father's regime - but very little is known about him.
So, who is Mojtaba Khamenei, and how was he chosen? What does his selection mean for the future of the Iranian regime and people?
And with few signs that the war with Israel and the US will abate any time soon, what difference will he make to the outcome of the conflict?
Niall is joined by Dr Louise Kettle, assistant professor of international relations at the University of Nottingham.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

The warship HMS Dragon is now not expected to leave for the Mediterranean until next week to begin its mission to defend a British military base in Cyprus from attacks by Iran.
The ship is one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers in the Royal Navy and one of three that aren’t currently out of service.
It is well-equipped to deal with Iran’s Shahed-type drones, so why has it taken so long to send it to the region?
Niall speaks to defence analyst Tom Sharpe, who also spent 27 years in the Royal Navy, about the military capabilities of HMS Dragon, the state of the Navy currently, and when the warship might finally arrive in the Med.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

Most people have had a bad experience on holiday – but not many will have seen their destination turn into a war zone.

That’s been the case for thousands of British travellers in places like Oman and Dubai following the start of the conflict with Iran.

The UK’s first repatriation flight was branded a “total shambles” - so what is the government doing to help both holiday makers and expats caught in the crossfire?

Niall is joined by Sky’s correspondent Sally Lockwood in Dubai.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

The United States may have launched strikes on Iran this week, but Donald Trump also found time for a war of words.
This time, it was with the prime ministers of the UK and Spain – after they refused to allow America access to their airbases ahead of the attack.
Keir Starmer and Pedro Sanchez have responded with some tough words of their own – so why are they and other European leaders finally standing up to Trump?
Niall is joined by Sky’s defence analyst Michael Clarke.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

Rachel Reeves may have delivered her Spring Forecast – but have events in the Middle East made the chancellor’s announcement redundant?
With President Trump predicting the Iran conflict could continue for a further four to five weeks, the world is starting to realise the economic consequences.
Global oil and gas prices are spiking and fuelling the threat of higher inflation and interest rates.
Niall is joined by Sky’s economics and data editor, Ed Conway, to discuss the effects on the UK economy – and why you might be feeling the pinch.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]