Scott Bessent moved to military base after Iranian threats

An aerial photograph of his Georgetown residence reportedly raised concerns about the Treasury secretary's safety.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his home in Washington, DC, to a military base following threats to his life allegedly linked to Iran, according to media reports.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday, November 11, that the relocation followed US intelligence findings that Iran had increased efforts to target current and former American officials. The newspaper cited three people familiar with the matter.

The exact nature of the threats against Bessent has not been made public. Reuters reported that concerns about his safety increased after The Wall Street Journal published an aerial photograph of his home in Washington’s Georgetown area, making its location easier to identify.

Bessent and his family have moved to a military base whose location has not been disclosed.

A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent would continue his work despite the threats and would not stop the campaign to put economic pressure on Iran.

Bessent leads US sanctions against Iran

Since August, Bessent has led a US campaign to weaken Iran’s economy through sanctions and restrictions on trade. The campaign is called Operation Economic Outcast.

The measures target banks and companies accused of helping Iran move money through international financial networks. Washington also wants to cut funds reaching Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military organisation that has a major role in the country’s economy.

The US has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. It wants Iran to stop attacks on commercial ships and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for transporting oil and gas around the world.

The waterway has faced major disruption since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28.

US officials say the sanctions are hurting Iran’s economy, weakening its currency and making life more difficult for its people. However, American intelligence reports suggest that Iran’s leaders are determined to remain in power despite the economic pressure.

Other US officials move to secure locations

Bessent is not the only senior Trump administration official to leave his home over security concerns.

At least six officials have moved to military bases or other protected housing over the past year, The New York Times reported. They include White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Last month, US National Intelligence chief Jay Clayton warned that Iran had increased efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

Following the warning, the US increased security measures at its diplomatic offices across the Middle East and reduced staff at some embassies and consulates. It also ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.

The US military has also moved aircraft from British bases following reported threats from Iran. American bombers were withdrawn from RAF Fairford after an investigation into an alleged plan to attack the base.

Iran has previously denied allegations that it was planning attacks against US officials or individuals on American soil.