US Treasury chief Bessent moved to military base over alleged Iran threats

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US Treasury Secretary Scott ‌Bessent has recently moved from his Washington residence to a US military base after Iranian threats against his life, according to The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.

WASHINGTON — US Treasury Secretary Scott ‌Bessent has recently moved from his Washington residence to a US military base after Iranian threats against his life, according to The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Bessent has led the ⁠US sanctions and economic pressure campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, since August to try to push Tehran to ‌end attacks on shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial waterway has been largely closed since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

The Times reported the severity of the alleged threats to ‌Bessent remained unclear, but Iran has previously denied plotting to attack officials and people on US soil.

A senior intelligence official in the Trump administration warned in a memo seen by Reuters late last month that Iranian plots against US personnel and American citizens had reached an advanced stage.

A Treasury spokesperson said in a statement emailed to Reuters that “the secretary will not ⁠be deterred by the Iranian regime’s threats and remains committed to executing ⁠Operation Economic Outcast and maintaining the blockade, which together are collapsing Iran’s economy”.

A senior intelligence official in the Trump administration warned in a memo seen by Reuters late last month that Iranian plots against US personnel and American citizens had reached an advanced stage.

A source familiar with the matter said security concerns surrounding Bessent increased when the Wall Street ‌Journal published an aerial view of the Georgetown mansion that Bessent bought for US$12.5 million shortly after his confirmation as Treasury secretary ⁠in January 2025.

The photo allowed Bessent’s home to be geolocated, and Bessent was relocated to a military base for ⁠his safety, the source said, adding: “The news media has an obligation to act responsibly amid growing threats against public officials”.

Bessent is not the only Trump administration official who has had to relocate.

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