US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly moved from his home in Washington to a military base because of threats from Iran. Diken’s report, citing The New York Times (NYT), relays claims that plans targeting current and former American officials are advancing. However, the severity of the threats against Bessent is not yet known.
The people who spoke to the NYT linked the specific targeting of Bessent to his policy of economic pressure. This account represents the sources’ assessment of the reason for his move; it is not presented as an independently verified statement about Iran’s intentions.
Diken’s report also covered other steps the US has taken in response to Iran-linked threats. It reported that, following increased attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, the US asked non-essential staff at its embassy in Saudi Arabia and their families to leave the country.
According to the report, the US military also withdrew some of its aircraft from two bases in Britain, citing Iranian threats. These developments were reported as security decisions separate from Bessent’s move. Diken also reported that Jay Clayton said Tehran had significantly stepped up its efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and beyond. The report also included an assessment that Iran’s capacity to launch large-scale attacks on the US or other overseas regions is quite limited. Uncertainty about the severity of the threats remains.
Bessent’s spokesperson said the secretary would maintain his policy toward Iran. The spokesperson said the operation called “Economic Exclusion” and the blockade would continue, arguing that they were collapsing Iran’s economy. This economic outcome was reported as the spokesperson’s claim.
Diken bases its report on The New York Times. Three people who provided sensitive information to the NYT spoke anonymously. No. The report says the severity of the threats is not yet known. The claim that Bessent was specifically targeted is attributed to the people who spoke to the NYT.
Key information in the report
How are the alleged threats affecting US officials?
Other security measures and the economic pressure policy
Frequently asked questions
What sources underpin the report about Bessent’s move?
Is the severity of the threats from Iran known?