US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his residence to a military base following alleged threats to his life linked to Iran, according to a report by The New York Times published Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The exact nature and severity of the threats remain unclear. The relocation comes amid growing concerns within the Trump administration over reported Iranian plots targeting American officials and citizens.
A senior US intelligence official warned in a memo reviewed by Reuters last month that Tehran’s efforts to target US personnel had intensified, with some alleged plots against Americans reaching “advanced stages”.
However, US officials have assessed that Iran’s ability to carry out large-scale attacks on American soil and other overseas locations remains limited.
Iran has previously denied allegations of plotting attacks against US officials or individuals on American soil. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Bessent has played a central role in Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran, overseeing sanctions targeting Iran’s oil revenues, banking networks, shipping operations and other sources of funding.
The measures have accompanied the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28.
The conflict has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region, while also killing several senior Iranian officials, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israeli military operations in Lebanon have added to the regional toll, as concerns over possible Iranian retaliation against American personnel and officials persist.
