EASTORA REPORT | The man trying to isolate Iran financially has moved from his home to a U.S. military base. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent relocated after threats against his life attributed to Tehran, according to The New York Times and Reuters.
The Times first reported the move, citing three people familiar with it. Reuters confirmed it with two sources on Tuesday, November 10. The seriousness of the threats remains unclear.
The decision follows a warning from a senior Trump administration intelligence official that alleged Iranian plots against Americans had reached an advanced stage. Reuters saw the memo last month. U.S. officials say Iran has limited capacity for large-scale attacks abroad but poses risks to individuals.
Bessent has led President Donald Trump’s economic campaign against Iran since August. Called Operation Economic Outcast, it targets financial channels, shipping networks and foreign businesses accused of helping Tehran evade sanctions. The campaign runs alongside a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, as Washington pressures Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stop attacks on shipping.
Launching it on August 24, Bessent pledged to cut Iran’s financial lifelines. Treasury has since imposed sanctions on banks, financial intermediaries and others accused of facilitating Iranian transactions.
A source told Reuters that concerns for Bessent’s safety intensified after a published aerial photograph made his private residence identifiable. The reported move comes more than eight months after the war began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, amid heightened security concerns for senior American officials.
A Treasury spokesperson said Bessent “will not be deterred by the Iranian regime’s threats” and would continue pursuing the sanctions campaign and naval blockade. The department says the measures are damaging Iran’s economy. Tehran has previously denied plotting attacks against officials or other people on American soil.
When he launched Operation Economic Outcast, Bessent said it would continue until Iran stood alone. The campaign is still underway; its leader now lives under military protection.