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

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has relocated from his residence in Washington DC to a US military base following alleged Iranian threats against his life, according to two individuals familiar with the situation. This development comes after a warning from a former Trump administration official, who detailed the advanced nature of Iranian plots against US personnel and citizens, according to a memo obtained by Reuters.

The move by Bessent is a response to the ongoing US sanctions and economic pressure campaign against Iran, labeled as Operation Economic Outcast. This campaign has been led by Bessent since August with the aim of compelling Iran to cease attacks on shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since the US and Israel's military actions on February 28. The economic pressure campaign includes sanctions on Middle Eastern bank branches and financial services firms involved in transactions with Iran.

US Treasury spokesperson stated that Bessent remains resolute in his commitment to executing Operation Economic Outcast and maintaining the blockade, which the spokesperson described as collapsing Iran's economy. However, the severity of the threats against Bessent is not yet clear. A source familiar with the matter revealed that security concerns escalated after The Wall Street Journal published an aerial image of Bessent's Georgetown mansion shortly after his confirmation as Treasury secretary in January 2025.

This image enabled the geolocation of Bessent's home, prompting his relocation to a military base for enhanced security.

The incident of Bessent's relocation is not unique. Other Trump administration officials, including White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, have also had to move due to security threats. Furthermore, security measures extend beyond Washington, with the US ordering non-essential embassy staff and their families to depart Saudi Arabia following a rise in attacks by Houthi fighters backed by Tehran.

Additionally, the US has removed some aircraft from two British military bases in response to reported Iranian threats.

While Iran has denied plotting to attack officials and residents in the US, US officials have expressed concerns about Iran's capacity to carry out significant attacks overseas. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the Israeli attacks on Lebanon during the war have resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of millions. Despite these events, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are intensifying.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Tuesday that the economic embargo on Iran has made further military actions unnecessary.