Over Threats from Iran, U.S. Treasury Secretary Moves to Live on Military Base

In depth

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has left his home and moved to live on a secure military base, following intelligence about Iranian threats to assassinate him. Bessent leads the economic campaign against Iran. Intelligence about an intensification of Iranian plans to harm senior officials in the U.S. led to the evacuation. U.S. intelligence has identified progress in Iranian plans to assassinate senior officials.

The economic blockade on Iran was launched in August with the aim of isolating the country economically through sanctions and other financial measures. Scott Bessent is one of the targets sought in the U.S. administration because he leads the blockade. At least six other senior American officials have moved to live on a military base or in a secure compound in the past year.

A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent will not be deterred by threats from the Iranian regime. The administration makes clear that the threats will not stop the economic campaign against Tehran. The severity of the threats is not yet clear, and Iran's ability to carry out such an act is limited.