Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent relocated to military base after Iranian threats

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been transferred from his Washington, D.C., residence to a military base after intelligence agencies reported threats tied to Iran. The move followed a Wall Street Journal article that included an online photo enabling the location of Bessent's Georgetown home to be identified, a CBS source said.

U.S. intelligence officials have warned that Iran has "substantially increased" efforts to target Americans, including government officials. A Treasury Department spokesperson stated that Bessent "will not be deterred" by threats and remains committed to the U.S. strategy of pressuring Iran's economy.

The New York Times reported that Iran's targeting program now includes both current and former officials, citing a source who said the effort has "reached a more advanced stage." Other individuals reportedly on Iran's list include former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Joint Chiefs chairman Mark Milley. Security details for Milley and Bolton were withdrawn by the administration after President Trump returned to office.

Bessent joins several officials who have been placed on military installations for safety, such as White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, who was moved in late 2025. The relocations come amid heightened tensions after the United States and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran in February, which resulted in the death of Iran's leader and subsequent retaliatory strikes across the region, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.