US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his residence to a military base following threats to his safety allegedly linked to Iran, The New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The nature and severity of the alleged threats against Bessent remain unclear. However, US officials have reportedly assessed that Iran's ability to carry out large-scale attacks on American soil and other overseas territories is limited.
Bessent has been at the forefront of Washington's economic pressure campaign against Tehran during the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28. The Trump administration has introduced a series of measures, including sweeping sanctions, aimed at crippling Iran's revenue-generating capacity and limiting its ability to finance military operations.
Bessent's reported relocation comes amid growing concerns within the US administration over potential Iranian plots targeting American citizens and government personnel. Tehran, however, has denied planning any such attacks.
The developments come amid speculation that US President Donald Trump could order a fresh wave of strikes against Iran following the midterm elections. Trump, however, said on Monday that the conflict was “effectively over” from a military standpoint.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Trump said Iran's military capabilities had been significantly weakened and that Washington was currently maintaining the status quo.
Meanwhile, Tehran has issued a fresh warning, insisting that Washington must accept its seven conditions for an immediate end to the conflict in West Asia.
The seven demands include an end to hostilities across all fronts, the lifting of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate reopening of shipping routes through the strategic waterway.
Iran has also called for the removal of economic sanctions, the release of its assets frozen overseas and an end to what it describes as US interference in its internal affairs.
