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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly been moved from his Washington, D.C., residence to a military installation following threats against his life allegedly linked to Iran after he declared an economic war on Tehran to isolate the country from the global financial world.
The move followed growing concerns over the security of Bessent's $12.5 million Georgetown mansion after The Wall Street Journal published an aerial photograph of the property, allowing its location to be identified, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Bessent and his family were subsequently relocated to a military base for their safety, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific installation or when the move took place.
The New York Times reported, citing officials familiar with the matter, that U.S. authorities believe Iranian efforts to target current and former American officials have become increasingly sophisticated.
Bessent has been at the forefront of Washington's economic pressure campaign against Tehran through "Operation Economic Outcast," a Treasury Department initiative launched in August to cut Iran off from international financial networks and restrict its access to revenue.
The campaign targets financial institutions, companies and other entities facilitating transactions with Iran, while the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports adds another layer of pressure on the country's economy.
A Treasury Department spokesperson insisted that the threats would not change Bessent's approach.
"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," the spokesperson told Reuters.
The relocation comes as the Justice Department announced late Tuesday that three Iranian nationals had been indicted on terrorism-related charges over their alleged involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States.
The alleged operations included a September 2026 attack targeting RAF Fairford in the U.K., where American military personnel were stationed.
"Anyone who plans a terrorist plot on a military base housing American service members will be prosecuted by the United States government," Attorney General Todd Blanche said.
Earlier in October, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham accused Iran of involvement in an incident at RAF Fairford that resulted in the arrest of five men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the allegation, writing on X that Burnham was "barking up the wrong tree."
Located in Gloucestershire, RAF Fairford is a key U.S. Air Force operating location in Europe and has supported deployments of American strategic bombers and other aircraft.
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