Today in Focus

After being sensationally sacked from the shadow cabinet and suspended from the Conservative party, Robert Jenrick has defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch said she made the decision to sack her shadow justice secretary after she was presented with ‘irrefutable evidence’ that he was planning to defect. Jenrick was Badenoch’s leadership rival and had long been said to have been prepared to do a deal with Farage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

What kind of life is the deposed former president of Syria and his family living in Russia? With Pjotr Sauer and Will Christou. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Protesters face execution as the Iranian regime continues its violent crackdown, defying the US president, Donald Trump, who has threatened ‘very strong action’ if demonstrators are killed. Erfan Soltani, 26, is the first protester to be sentenced to death, but it is unclear whether or not his execution has taken place. Lucy Hough speaks to journalist Deepa Parent about what she is hearing from those inside Iran – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

How far will Rubio go to achieve his own objectives? With Lauren Gambino. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UK government is threatening Elon Musk’s X with the nuclear option: a ban. The social media platform is under pressure from ministers over the use of the Grok AI tool to manipulate images of women and children to remove their clothes. Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, has launched an investigation into X – and the government says it will support a ban if it decides to press ahead. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior national editor Aaron Sharp – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus