US Treasury Secretary Bessent says 'F the Iranian leaders,' confirms move to military base

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has vigorously condemned Iran's leadership, explicitly stating his own disdain for the regime during an interview with CNBC. "F the Iranian leadership," Bessent declared, rejecting any notion of being intimidated by the threats they have issued. He reaffirmed that his fellow Cabinet members are equally undeterred by such intimidation tactics.

Bessent's relocation to a military base stemmed from a series of assassination threats against him, a fact he confirmed unequivocally. "I'm not going to be cowered by the death threats they have made against me," he affirmed, emphasizing his unwavering resolve amidst the hostile environment. He went on to assert that the ongoing economic pressure campaign, Operation Economic Outcast, is proving effective in weakening Iran's regime.

"The US is making progress, so why should I be afraid when our brave military personnel are stationed in the Persian Gulf and even President Trump experiences death threats regularly?" Bessent rhetorically questioned. He likened Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to a "dangerous animal backed into a corner," reinforcing his administration's stance against the regime's actions.

Bessent further emphasized the relocation order came from the US Secret Service and criticized The Wall Street Journal for publishing a photograph of his home, which could be used to pinpoint his exact location despite his staff's repeated pleas to refrain from doing so. He branded such actions as "extremely irresponsible and dangerous conduct" and called for an end to such reckless behavior.

The Treasury secretary has been at the helm of the Trump administration's sanctions and economic pressure campaign against Iran, alongside the US naval blockade. Earlier reports from The New York Times and Reuters echoed Bessent's relocation following intelligence warnings about potential Iranian threats against senior US officials.