US Treasury chief moved after Iranian threats: sources

Résumé détaillé

Concerns for Scott Bessent's safety a‌rose after a news report revealed the location of his Washington DC mansion.

Iranian threats on US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's life have prompted him to move from his home to an American military base, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The New York Times broke news of Bessent's recent move from Washington DC late on Tuesday.

It comes after a senior intelligence official in the Trump administration warned in late October, in a memo seen by Reuters, that Iranian plots against US personnel and American citizens had reached an advanced stage.

Bessent has led the US sanctions and economic pressure campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, since August to try to push Tehran to end attacks on shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The crucial waterway has been largely closed since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

The pressure campaign, which coincides with a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, has included sanctions on Middle Eastern bank branches and other financial services firms facilitating transactions with Iran.

"The secretary will not be deterred by the Iranian regime's threats and remains committed to executing Operation Economic Outcast and maintaining the blockade, which together are collapsing Iran's economy," a US Treasury spokesperson said in a statement.

A source familiar with the matter said security concerns surrounding Bessent increased when the Wall Street Journal published an aerial view of the Georgetown mansion he bought for $US12.5 million shortly after he was sworn in, in January 2025.

The photo allowed the home to be geolocated, the source said, adding: "The news media has an obligation to act responsibly amid growing threats against public officials."

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