U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved to a military base following reported assassination threats from Iran, according to reports from the New York Times and AFP.
The relocation follows intelligence warnings regarding increased targeting of American officials. While the specific level of danger facing Bessent remains unconfirmed, the move highlights the escalating personal risks for high-ranking members of the Trump administration during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“Iran has substantially increased” its efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and elsewhere, Jay Clayton, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, stated last month, as reported by CNBC Indonesia.
Bessent is not the only senior official facing heightened security measures. Media reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller have also moved to military bases or secure residences due to these threats.
Security risks for U.S. officials
Intelligence sources cited by the New York Times indicate that Iranian plans to target U.S. officials have reached an “advanced stage.” This development follows a period of heightened tension since the Middle East war began on February 28, 2026.
CNN Indonesia said that concerns regarding Bessent’s personal security grew after the Wall Street Journal published photos of his residence shortly after he was confirmed as Treasury Secretary in January 2025.
The threat has prompted defensive actions by the U.S. government. In October, Washington ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following increased attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthi group. The U.S. military recently moved aircraft from two bases in the United Kingdom due to Iranian threats, according to CNBC Indonesia.
Did you know?
The economic pressure campaign led by Bessent, known as Operation Economic Outcast, has targeted Middle Eastern bank branches and financial services to restrict Tehran’s ability to conduct transactions.
Bessent leads Operation Economic Outcast to cripple Iran
Bessent has been a central figure in Washington’s strategy to cripple the Iranian economy. Since August 2026, he has spearheaded “Operation Economic Outcast,” a campaign of sanctions designed to force Iran to stop attacks on shipping vessels and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy trade route, has remained largely closed since attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Bessent previously described his approach as a strategy of “economic asphyxiation” through a strict network of financial sanctions and trade restrictions.
Despite the security situation, administration officials suggest the economic pressure is working. “The economic pressure Washington has placed on Tehran has achieved its goals,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, according to CNBC Indonesia, adding that further military strikes are not necessary.
President Donald Trump also indicated a shift in the conflict’s trajectory, telling reporters this week that there is “positive momentum” toward ending the war and that a new attack on Tehran is “very unlikely.”
Comparison of security responses
| Action Taken | Target/Location | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation to military base | Scott Bessent, Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller | Targeted assassination threats |
| Staff evacuation | U.S. Embassy, Saudi Arabia | Houthi group attacks |
| Aircraft relocation | U.S. military bases, United Kingdom | Iranian threats to facilities |
Security threats and diplomatic status FAQ
Why was Scott Bessent moved to a military base?
Bessent was moved following reports of assassination threats from Iran. The New York Times reported that intelligence indicates Iranian efforts to target U.S. officials have reached an “advanced stage.”
What is Operation Economic Outcast?
Led by Bessent since August 2026, this operation uses financial sanctions to pressure Iran. It specifically targets Middle Eastern bank branches and financial institutions to block transactions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Is the U.S. planning a direct military strike on Iran?
President Trump stated this week that a new attack is “very unlikely.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that current economic pressures have achieved their objectives, making further military action unnecessary.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has not yet issued an official response to the media reports regarding Bessent’s relocation.