US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved to military base after alleged Iranian threats

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been relocated from his residence in Washington, DC, to an undisclosed military base due to alleged threats against his life. According to media reports, the decision to move the official was made following security concerns regarding his safety.

Tensions escalated after The Wall Street Journal published an aerial image of the $12.5m Georgetown mansion that Bessent purchased in January 2025. Sources familiar with the situation stated that the photograph allowed the property to be geo-located, prompting authorities to take action. A spokesperson for the Treasury Department noted 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".

Bessent has been leading an economic pressure campaign against Tehran since August, which includes a naval blockade of Iranian ports aimed at forcing the country to end attacks on shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While the specific nature of the threats remains unclear, US national intelligence chief Jay Clayton warned in September that Iran has "substantially increased" its efforts to target Americans, including current and former officials. Tehran has previously denied allegations that it is plotting attacks against individuals on American soil.

Reports indicate that other officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, have also been identified as potential targets. Several other prominent figures, such as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently reside on military bases. The conflict between the nations intensified following a February air campaign by the US and Israel that resulted in the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.