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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been relocated from his Washington DC residence to a military base following security threats linked to Iran, as reported by US media outlets. The move comes as Bessent leads ongoing government efforts to isolate Iran economically through a broader economic blockade and strict sanctions.
Security Concerns and Relocation
According to reporting by CBS, the BBC’s US partner, the relocation was initiated after a photograph of Bessent’s home was published in the Wall Street Journal. An anonymous source told CBS that the publication allowed the location of the secretary’s Georgetown home to be identified through geo-location, which heightened security concerns. Georgetown is an affluent Washington neighbourhood that houses various prominent residents and government officials.
Authorities responded to these elevated risks by moving Bessent to a local military base. A Treasury Department spokesperson issued a statement noting that Bessent “will not be deterred” by threats and “remains committed” to the US effort to pressure Iran’s economy. The BBC reached out to the White House for comment regarding the incident.
Broadening Iranian Threats Against US Officials
US intelligence has warned that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target American citizens, including both current and former US officials. In September, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton issued warnings regarding these heightened efforts. The New York Times reported that the Iranian campaign against officials has reached a more advanced stage.
Additional US officials reportedly identified on Iran’s target list include former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley. Security details for Bolton and Milley were removed by the Trump administration shortly after taking office last year.
Administration Officials Residing on Military Bases
Bessent is among several key administration figures residing on military bases for security reasons. White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was relocated to a base in late 2025, prior to the outbreak of the conflict with Iran. Other officials living on military bases include Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard.
Military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalated in February when an air campaign killed the Iranian leader, prompting retaliatory strikes on regional US allies and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for global oil and gas supplies. Although a preliminary agreement to end hostilities and reopen the strait was reached in June, the deal collapsed within weeks after shipping attacks resumed and the US reinstated its blockade.
