U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was reportedly moved from his Washington, D.C., home to a military base over Iranian threats on his life. The Justice Department separately indicted three Iranian nationals on terrorism-related charges, while Iran denies that negotiations are underway.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was reportedly moved from his Washington, D.C., home to a military base because of Iranian threats on his life. The New York Times, citing officials familiar with the matter, said U.S. officials had concluded that Iranian plotting against current and former American officials had reached a more advanced stage. Reuters, however, reported that the severity of the threats against Bessent was not immediately clear.
Bessent's Iran campaign made him a target
Bessent has led Operation Economic Outcast, a Treasury campaign launched in August to isolate Iran economically through sanctions and other financial measures. The Times reported that his role in that campaign made him one of the Trump administration officials Iran most wanted to target.
The move came as the Justice Department said late Tuesday that three Iranian nationals had been indicted on terrorism-related charges. The department said the three were allegedly involved in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, including a September 2026 attack targeting RAF Fairford in the U.K., where U.S. military personnel were stationed.
Talks remain contested
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said military action against Iran may not be necessary if economic sanctions and the U.S. naval blockade are working. On Monday, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this Conflict" (CNBC).
However, Iranian officials have denied that negotiations are underway. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei said claims that talks were continuing were aimed at easing economic pressures and reducing oil prices.
Oil prices edged higher in the meantime. Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude traded at about $92 and $86 per barrel, respectively, during Wednesday's Asia session.
Source: CNBC
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