Treasury Secretary Bessent moved to military base over Iran threats
Security concerns followed a published photo of the Georgetown home, according to US media. Officials say Iran has stepped up efforts to target Americans.
Key points
- Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, has reportedly been relocated from Washington to a military installation.
- US media link the move to alleged Iran-linked threats against his life.
- Worries grew after a Wall Street Journal article included an online photo of his Georgetown home.
- A Treasury spokesperson said Bessent is not willing to be intimidated and keeps backing pressure on Iran.
- US intelligence has warned that Tehran has ramped up its campaign against Americans.
Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, has reportedly been relocated from his Washington DC residence to a military installation. US media reports link the move to threats from Iran that were allegedly aimed at his life. The BBC is citing CBS, its US partner, and says it has asked the White House for comment.
CBS says the change followed the publication of a photo of Bessent’s house in the Wall Street Journal. A source speaking to CBS said an online picture included in the article made it possible to pinpoint his Georgetown property. Those worries prompted authorities to place him at a base nearby. Georgetown is a wealthy Washington district with many officials and well-known residents.
Treasury response
A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent is not willing to be intimidated by the threats. The spokesperson added that he keeps supporting Washington’s drive to squeeze Iran financially. He has been one of the leading figures pushing to cut Iran off economically using sanctions and a broader blockade.
The precise nature of the threats has not been explained. The reports do not confirm the details of any specific plot.
Wider warnings about Iran
In September, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton said Iran had significantly ramped up efforts against Americans, including government staff. The New York Times reported that the campaign reaches current and former officials. One source told that paper the effort had entered a more developed phase.
Former officials named as possible Iranian targets include Mike Pompeo, who once led the State Department, former national security adviser John Bolton and Mark Milley, who previously chaired the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Trump administration withdrew the security details of Milley and Bolton soon after the president began his second term last year.
Officials living on bases
Bessent is far from the only administration figure living on a military site. Stephen Miller, who now serves as White House chief of staff, was placed on a base in late 2025, before fighting with Iran started. Pete Hegseth, who leads the Defence Department, and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, also reside on military grounds. Pam Bondi, previously attorney general, and Tulsi Gabbard, formerly the top intelligence official, lived on bases as well.
Background to the conflict
The US and Israel began an air campaign against Iran in February. The strikes killed Iran’s leader. Tehran hit back at US allies across the region and effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that usually carries about a fifth of global oil and gas.
A preliminary deal in June aimed to end the fighting and reopen the strait. It fell apart within weeks, once attacks on ships resumed and Washington brought back its blockade of Iranian ports.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Scott Bessent relocated to a military base?
US media reports say the move came after alleged threats linked to Iran. Security worries reportedly rose after a photo of his Georgetown home appeared in the Wall Street Journal.
What has the Treasury Department said?
A Treasury spokesperson said Bessent will not be deterred by threats and keeps supporting pressure on Iranu0026#039;s economy. The exact nature of the threats has not been made public.
Are other US officials at risk from Iran?
US intelligence has said Iran has ramped up efforts to target Americans, including officials. The New York Times reported the campaign reaches current and former US officials.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
