Iran’s refusal to play ball with the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog, which is charged with monitoring all nations’ nuclear programs, has meant the body cannot verify whether Tehran’s program is ‘entirely peaceful’ despite the regime’s claims.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Monday issued a warning statement that the agency has not only long been barred access to old and new nuclear sites, but that Iran has scrubbed locations in an apparent move to cover up its activities.

In 2020, the IAEA found man-made particles of enriched uranium at three sites, including Varamin, Marivan and Turquzabad. The locations were previously utilized in Iran’s nuclear program and gave the agency credence to believe Tehran had once again turned to deadly nuclear ambitions. 

‘Since then, we have been seeking explanations and clarifications from Iran for the presence of these uranium particles, including through a number of high-level meetings and consultations in which I have been personally involved,’ Grossi said. ‘Unfortunately, Iran has repeatedly either not answered, or not provided technically credible answers to, the Agency’s questions. 

‘It has also sought to sanitize the locations, which has impeded Agency verification activities,’ he added. 

Grossi, who confirmed during an April trip to Washington, D.C. that the IAEA has not been involved in nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, said on Monday that he has been working ‘closely and intensively’ with both parties in ‘support of their bilateral negotiation[s].’

The warning comes after the IAEA in a report late last month, also confirmed that Iran had drastically increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium by nearly 35% in three months. 

In February, the IAEA assessed that Tehran possessed 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds) worth of uranium enriched to 60%, but on May 17th it found Iran now has some 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) – meaning the regime is just a technical step away from being able to make up to 10 nuclear warheads. 

Last week, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came out in strong opposition to a U.S. proposal submitted to Tehran to end its nuclear program, though it remains unclear what details were included in the document, including on enrichment capabilities, and on Sunday, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed the proposal didn’t include any sanction relief.

The White House has remained tight-lipped about what was included in the document, though according to some reporting, President Donald Trump gave Iran until June 11 to reach a deal with the U.S., though Fox News Digital could not independently verify these claims. 

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that ‘The U.S. proposal is not acceptable to us. It was not the result of previous rounds of negotiations.’

‘We will present our own proposal to the other side via Oman after it is finalized. This proposal is reasonable, logical, and balanced,’ Baghaei reportedly said.

Some reporting has also suggested Iran might submit their proposal as soon as June 10, though the Iranian UN mission in the U.S. would not comment on or confirm these claims. 

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ may face major changes when the Senate begins debate next week.

Look for Senate Republicans to pare down state and local tax deductions—known as SALT—which are important to House Republicans from California and New York.

Almost no Senate Republicans care about SALT. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., says he’d oppose the bill if the Senate strips SALT.

Fiscal hawks want further Medicaid changes to achieve additional savings, but Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Jim Justice, R-W.Va., represent states with high percentages of their constituents on Medicaid. 

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., wants to alter the no-tax-on-tips provision, arguing it’s unfair to workers outside tipped industries.

The Senate may also cut House provisions on AI and federal judges, as these policy issues don’t comply with special Senate budget rules.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) just announced a major update. Starting this summer, Americans with a ‘My Social Security’ account will be able to access their digital Social Security number (SSN) online. The goal is to simplify access, reduce paper card replacements and improve data protection.

But with convenience comes new cybersecurity concerns. Here’s how the digital SSN works, why it’s being introduced now and the steps you should take to protect your SSN from identity theft both online and offline.

What is the digital SSN? New Social Security feature explained

The SSA is introducing secure digital access to your Social Security number through the ‘My Social Security’ portal. If you forget your SSN, misplace your card or need to share your number for non-SSA purposes (such as job applications or financial services), you’ll be able to view your number online from a mobile device.

‘This enhancement will provide individuals…a simple solution allowing them to securely view their SSN online,’ said the SSA. This update eliminates the need for mail delays or in-person visits to your local SSA office.

Why the SSA is releasing digital SSNs in 2025

There are a few big reasons the SSA is rolling this out now:

• Aging physical cards: The SSA estimates there are 47 different versions of the Social Security card still in circulation. Many of them were issued before 1983 and lack basic security features, making them easier to forge or misuse.
• Rising identity theft risks: Your SSN is one of the most sensitive identifiers tied to your name. When cards are lost, stolen or handled carelessly, it creates opportunities for identity theft, fraud and account takeovers.
• Demand for digital access: More Americans now expect to access government services from their phones or computers. Long lines at SSA offices and delays in mail processing have made it harder for people to get help quickly. A digital SSN provides faster, safer and more convenient access to your number when you need it.

Digital SSN launch date: When you can access it

The digital SSN option will be available in early summer 2025. If you already have a ‘My Social Security’ account, you’ll be able to access the feature once it rolls out.

How to access your digital Social Security number online

You’ll need a ‘My Social Security’ account to use the digital SSN features. Here’s how to get started:

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click ‘Create an Account.’

You’ll be asked to provide your name, birthdate, SSN and address. The SSA may use a third-party identity verification service and ask questions based on your credit report.

Use a strong, unique password and set up two-factor authentication with your phone number or an authenticator app. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Once the digital SSN feature launches, you’ll be able to view your number securely from your account on a mobile device or computer.

If you’re already signed up, double-check your security settings and make sure your contact information is current.

7 ways to protect your Social Security number from identity theft

Even with digital access making your SSN more convenient, it’s still one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own. If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to identity theft, credit fraud and even tax return scams. Here are the best ways to protect it:

Create a unique, complex password for your ‘My Social Security’ account and enable two-factor authentication. This ensures that even if someone guesses your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second verification step. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

If you’re checking your SSA account, avoid doing so over unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi. Use a secure home network or VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your session from hackers. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Scammers often pose as the SSA to trick you into revealing your SSN. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or texts and never give personal information unless you’re sure the source is legitimate. Always go directly to ssa.gov if in doubt.

To block suspicious links and attachments before they reach you, consider using strong antivirus software. The right antivirus can help detect phishing attempts and protect you from malicious downloads. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Staying on top of your financial activity is one of the most effective ways to catch identity theft early. That’s where identity protection services come in. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Make it a habit to review your credit reports regularly. Look for unfamiliar accounts, unauthorized inquiries or incorrect personal information. If something seems off, contact the credit bureau right away to dispute it.

Prevent fraudulent tax filings using your SSN by setting up an Identity Protection PIN with the IRS. This six-digit number adds another layer of protection during tax season.

Log in to your ‘My Social Security’ account regularly to review your earnings history and benefits. This helps ensure your information hasn’t been altered or compromised.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Starting this summer, the SSA will let you view your Social Security number online through your ‘My Social Security’ account. It’s a secure, convenient update that cuts down on lost cards and office visits. To use it safely, set up strong login credentials and two-factor authentication. And since your SSN remains a top target for identity thieves, now’s the time to protect it with tools like a password manager, VPN, antivirus software and identity theft monitoring.

Do you trust digital access to your Social Security number? Let us know by writing to us at

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By all appearances, the world is edging perilously close to the brink of a catastrophic global conflict. In just the past few days, five deeply troubling developments have emerged — each significant on its own — but taken together, they form a pattern too urgent to dismiss. Viewed in context, these events expose a rapidly deteriorating international order, where diplomacy is failing, deterrence is weakening, and the risk of multi-theater war is rising sharply. 

First, Ukraine’s audacious drone strike deep inside Russian territory — reportedly destroying or damaging a significant share of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet — bears the hallmarks of Western involvement. While Kyiv claimed responsibility, the attack’s sophistication, including precise long-range targeting and coordinated timing, suggests U.S. or NATO intelligence and technological support.  

Former intelligence officials have even pointed to likely CIA or allied agency involvement. Whatever the true origin, Moscow now sees itself not merely at war with Ukraine, but with the broader Western alliance. Russia’s retaliation — whether cyber, kinetic or covert — could spiral well beyond the front lines. 

Second, efforts to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions have collapsed further. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected a U.S. proposal that would have permitted tightly restricted low-level uranium enrichment. Denouncing the offer as ‘100% against our interests,’ he reaffirmed Iran’s demand for full sovereign enrichment rights.  

With Israel openly contemplating military action and negotiations at a standstill, the Middle East stands on the edge of a potentially region-wide conflagration — especially if Iran accelerates toward weapons-grade enrichment. 

Third, a highly anticipated phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin yielded no diplomatic breakthrough. Though both men discussed the escalating war and the drone strike, the call ended with no commitments, no ceasefire, and no plan for de-escalation.  

Trump admitted it was not the kind of conversation that would bring peace. Instead, the call served to underscore how deeply entrenched the conflict has become — and how narrow the remaining diplomatic off-ramps now are. 

Fourth, a chilling threat emerged on American soil. Federal prosecutors charged a Chinese national couple with attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. — a crop-killing fungus labeled by the Justice Department as a potential ‘agroterrorism weapon.’ The pathogen can devastate wheat, barley and corn, and its toxins are harmful to both humans and livestock.  

The couple is linked to Chinese state-sponsored research and is suspected of prior smuggling attempts. Whether or not this plot was state-directed, it underscores an alarming vulnerability: America’s homeland is increasingly exposed to unconventional threats from hostile actors. 

Fifth, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that China may be preparing to launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he declared, China ‘is rehearsing for the real deal.’  

With Beijing ramping up military drills and tightening its rhetoric, the Taiwan Strait has become a powder keg. Should China act, U.S. intervention would be virtually guaranteed — potentially igniting a major conflict in the Indo-Pacific. 

Together, these flashpoints paint a stark picture of a world in crisis. Three nuclear powers — Russia, China and Iran (potentially) — are simultaneously testing Western resolve.  

The United States faces a mounting burden to deter aggression on multiple fronts, with few diplomatic successes to lean on. Traditional tools — talks, sanctions, summits — are proving inadequate. What remains is a binary choice: step back from global leadership or confront rising threats in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, possibly all at once. 

This is not alarmism. This is convergence. With diplomacy unraveling, adversaries emboldened and the homeland no longer secure, the global order is careening toward synchronized escalation. The world is not yet at war — but it is teetering dangerously close to systemic conflict that could engulf major powers and redraw the map of the 21st century. 

The warning lights are flashing red. The only question now is whether the world will act — or continue its drift toward fire.