Iran-linked security fears force Bessent to relocate to military base
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved out of his Washington-area residence and relocated to a military base following alleged threats to his life linked to Iran, according to a report by The New York Times.
The move came after US officials assessed that Iranian plots targeting current and former American officials had become more advanced in recent weeks. The assessment was partly based on intelligence concerning threats against Bessent, according to three people familiar with the matter cited by the newspaper.
The precise nature and severity of the threats have not been disclosed. However, US officials believe Iran’s ability to carry out large-scale attacks inside the United States and other overseas territories remains limited, while treating specific threats against individuals seriously.
Bessent has been leading Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Iran since August, seeking to isolate the country financially through tougher sanctions and restrictions on trade routes. The measures target individuals, companies, maritime networks and Iran’s oil trade, with the aim of cutting funding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which controls a substantial part of Iran’s military and economic activities.
Bessent and other US officials have said the sanctions are hurting Iran’s economy, weakening its currency and worsening living conditions. However, US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s hardline leadership remains determined to retain power despite the economic pressure.
Bessent is the latest senior Trump administration official to relocate from a private residence to a military base or other protected accommodation over security concerns. At least half a dozen officials made similar moves last year, including White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Iran has previously been accused of plotting against US President Donald Trump. In 2024, US federal prosecutors charged Farhad Shakeri, described as an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative.
