The New York Times reported that threats to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s life tied to Iran prompted a move to a military base, as U.S. officials judged plotting against current and former American officials to be more advanced.
The account draws on three people who sought anonymity while discussing sensitive information. Intelligence about threats to Bessent contributed to officials’ recent assessment, the newspaper reported.
A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent “will not be deterred by the Iranian regime’s threats” and remains committed to the pressure campaign.
The Times said at least six Trump administration officials used military bases or other protected housing in 2025; they included Pam Bondi, then attorney general, and Stephen Miller, now White House chief of staff.
U.S. officials assess Iran’s capacity for large-scale attacks in the United States and other overseas locations as limited. The Times reported that some threats directed at individuals have nevertheless been considered serious.
The Times reported that since August, Washington’s financial campaign against Iran has used two main tools: sanctions and limits on trade routes. One aim is to cut revenue to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, a powerful military organization with broad influence over the country’s economy. EconoTimes previously covered U.S. measures targeting Iranian airlines and foreign banks.
Bessent and other officials say the pressure has weakened Iran’s economy, currency and living standards. U.S. intelligence indicates Iran’s hard-line leadership remains determined to stay in power despite the economic costs, the Times reported.
