U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly relocated from his home in Washington, D.C., to a military base because of Iranian threats against his life. The New York Times, citing officials familiar with the situation, reported that American officials believed Iranian plans to target current and former U.S. officials had become more advanced. Reuters separately reported that the seriousness of the threats against Bessent was not immediately clear.
Bessent leads Operation Economic Outcast, a Treasury initiative introduced in August that seeks to cut Iran off economically through sanctions and other financial tools. The campaign operates alongside U.S. military action. According to the Times, his leadership of the effort has placed him among the Trump administration officials Iran most wanted to target.
The reports came as the Justice Department announced late Tuesday that three Iranian nationals had been indicted on terrorism-related charges. Authorities alleged that they were involved in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks in Europe and the United States. Among the alleged plots was a September 2026 attack directed at RAF Fairford in Britain, where American military personnel were stationed.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the United States would prosecute anyone planning a terrorist attack against a military base housing American service members. RAF Fairford, located in Gloucestershire, is an important European operating location for the U.S. Air Force and has supported deployments of American strategic bombers and other aircraft.
In October, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran had been involved in the Fairford incident, which resulted in five men being arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected that accusation on X, saying Burnham was “barking up the wrong tree.”
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly suggested that military action against Iran might be unnecessary if sanctions and the U.S. naval blockade were effective. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and others preferred keeping the blockade in place. He also said there was positive momentum toward ending the conflict.
When asked Tuesday why he would not declare the Iran war over, Trump said he wanted to protect U.S. allies in the region and secure a lasting solution. Iranian officials, however, denied that negotiations were taking place. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei said assertions that talks were continuing were intended to ease economic pressure and lower oil prices.
Oil prices rose slightly during Asian trading on Wednesday. Brent crude traded at approximately $92 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was around $86.
