US Treasury chief Scott Bessent shifts to military base over Iran threats

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved out of his home and onto a military base following Iranian threats against his life. The New York Times reported this on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the situation, though the exact severity of the threats remains unclear. Meanwhile, a senior intelligence official in the Trump administration warned in a memo seen by Reuters late last month that lethal plots by Tehran against American citizens have reached advanced stages as Iran ramps up efforts to target U.S. personnel. Iran has previously denied plotting to attack officials and people on U.S. soil. U.S. officials have also noted that Iran's ability to carry out large-scale attacks in the U.S. and other overseas territories is limited, and the U.S. Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr. Bessent serves as the face of Washington's economic pressure campaign against Tehran during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28. That conflict has involved U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon that have killed thousands and displaced millions, including top Iranian officials such as the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Context

High-ranking government officials often relocate to secure military facilities when specific security threats emerge. Tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated amid an ongoing military conflict involving economic pressure and armed strikes.