Trump’s top officials seek military shelter amid Iran threats, Todd Blanche joins list

New Delhi: A growing number of senior officials in the United States president, Donald Trump, administration are relying on military installations for their accommodation amid heightened security concerns. The United States attorney general, Todd Blanche, has reportedly been living on a military base since early 2026.

The development brings Blanche into a group of senior officials whose living arrangements have changed amid security threats, News The group reportedly includes US secretary of state, Marco Rubio; defence secretary, Pete Hegseth; White House chief of staff, Stephen Miller, and treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, NewsNation reported.

The latest disclosure follows the relocation of Bessent, which RNA Media had reported earlier. His move came after concerns emerged over possible Iranian threats against him, making the treasury secretary one of the latest senior American officials to be shifted into protected military accommodation.

The FBI, which handles Blanche’s security, has not yet issued a response. Former attorney general, Pam Bondi, had also been moved to guarded accommodation at a military installation after receiving threats. The reason behind Blanche’s relocation remains unclear.

Bessent’s Iran policy and security concerns

Bessent’s position at the centre of Washington’s economic campaign against Tehran has added to concerns about his safety. According to Reuters, the decision followed growing threats and concerns after the Wall Street Journal published an aerial photograph of his Georgetown residence in January 2025.

The photograph reportedly made it possible to identify the location of his $12.5 million home. The treasury department confirmed that Bessent had relocated and said he would continue his work despite threats from the Iranian regime.

Since August, Bessent has overseen Operation Economic Outcast, which uses sanctions and financial restrictions to isolate Iran. The campaign targets revenue sources, banking channels and commercial networks suspected of helping Tehran bypass international restrictions, including those associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Washington has also stepped up action against intermediaries accused of facilitating Iranian financial transactions. The broader objective is to limit Tehran’s ability to generate revenue and finance its military and affiliated organisations.

Fresh allegations of Iranian operations

The concerns surrounding American officials come alongside allegations of Iranian-linked plots targeting Western interests. The US justice department recently announced terrorism-related indictments against three Iranian nationals accused of involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States.

The alleged activities included a September plot targeting RAF Fairford in England, a facility used by American military personnel. Blanche said the US would prosecute those planning attacks on military bases housing American service members.

The allegations have also drawn responses from British and Iranian officials. Prime minister of United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, linked an incident at RAF Fairford to Iran, while Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, rejected the accusation on X.

Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported that American aircraft had been evacuated from another British air base following an Iranian threat. These developments have added to concerns about the security of US personnel and military assets outside the country.

Washington maintains pressure as Iran talks stall

The security developments are unfolding alongside an uncertain phase in the US-Iran conflict. Washington has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports while signalling that economic pressure could reduce the need for another round of major military strikes.

Rubio has reportedly said further military action may not be necessary if sanctions and the blockade are achieving their intended results. Trump has also indicated that regional governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, favour maintaining the current blockade.

However, Tehran has disputed Washington’s suggestions of diplomatic progress. Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei has denied that negotiations are continuing, describing claims of ongoing talks as an attempt to ease economic pressure and bring down oil prices.

The continuing standoff has left shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and international energy supplies exposed to further uncertainty.