Today in Focus

What the Assads did next

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 [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Massacres and executions: what are we hearing from inside Iran? – The Latest

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 [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/14/iran-protests-what-we-know-so-far-about-the-the-spiralling-anti-government-protests], 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Is Marco Rubio playing Trump?

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

Musk v Starmer: will UK ban X over Grok nudification? – The Latest

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Is this the end of the Iranian regime?

Protests have rocked Iran, a brutal crackdown is under way and Trump has threatened to intervene. Ellie Geranmayeh on a dangerous moment for the country’s leaders. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]