US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his residence to a military base following alleged threats to his life from Iran, media reports said on Tuesday.
US officials determined in recent weeks that Iranian plots targeting current and former American officials had become more advanced, partly based on intelligence about threats against Bessent, The Washington Post reported, citing three people familiar with the matter.
Bessent has led a US economic pressure campaign against Iran since August through tighter sanctions and trade restrictions, making him a key target for Tehran, according to the report.
US officials say Iran has limited capacity to launch large-scale attacks abroad but have identified specific threats against individuals as serious, including an alleged plot to assassinate President Donald Trump during his 2024 election campaign.
A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent “will not be deterred by the Iranian regime’s threats” and remains committed to the campaign to put further pressure on Iran’s economy.
At least six senior officials made similar moves
Bessent is the latest senior Trump administration official to move from a Washington-area home to a military base or other secure accommodation.
At least six senior officials made similar moves last year, including Stephen Miller, now White House chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, then attorney general.
Pressure campaign targets Iran's economy
The administration has not disclosed the full extent of alleged threats against senior officials, which are not all linked to Iran.
A key aim of Bessent’s campaign is reportedly to cut funding to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with the administration hoping economic pressure will help avoid renewed US military operations.
While US officials say the campaign has weakened Iran’s economy and currency, intelligence assessments suggest its hard-line leadership remains determined to retain power at almost any cost.
That indicates economic pressure alone may not bring about regime change, according to two officials familiar with the intelligence.
