This Is Why

The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy?

The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your much-needed break abroad?

Niall is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

The party drug ecstasy is usually associated with packed nightclubs and panicked politicians talking about the dangers involved in taking it.

However, a former head of the UK’s armed forces believes the drug’s active ingredient, known as MDMA, could be key to treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

General Sir Nick Carter is now calling on the government to relax restrictions in order to reduce the crippling cost of clinical trials. What evidence is there to suggest this treatment could be effective and what’s been the reaction from the few former soldiers who have benefitted so far?

Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore.

Warning: Contains references to drug taking, depression and suicide.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Iranian intelligence services are suspected of actively recruiting in the UK, using AI and social networks to entice potential sign-ups.

Sky News has uncovered evidence of how apparent Iranian networks are using the chat platform Telegram to target recruits.

It follows an increase in attacks on Jewish communities across the UK – with authorities suggesting that some perpetrators may have been taking orders from Tehran.

But why might petty crooks or youngsters be tempted to become involved? How worried should we be about their activities? And what level of threat does Iran pose here in the UK?

Niall is joined by Sky New’s Home Editor Jason Farrell, whose producer infiltrated a suspected Iranian intelligence account.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Why keeping the King safe is Trump's top priority

King Charles's trip to the USA is still going ahead, despite a gunman attempting to storm a dinner attended by President Trump on Saturday night.

It's the first state visit to the country by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Charles is also due to emulate his mother by addressing Congress.

Officials from both sides of the Atlantic are working closely on security arrangements. But has the tour been compromised by the assassination attempt? And what does it take to protect a head of state?

Niall speaks to Dai Davies, a former head of Scotland Yard's Royal Protection Command.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Donald Trump is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the King’s all-American state visit next week – despite the fact the US president has been highly critical of the UK over its refusal to join the war in Iran.

Trump’s public rebukes for Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s armed forces and even Prince Harry have put the so-called special relationship under greater strain than ever. So, can the King use all his diplomatic and “soft power” skills to save it?

Niall is joined by royal commentator Robert Jobson.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk