US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of devastating consequences if Tehran kills a senior American official, escalating his rhetoric as reports emerge of assassination threats against members of his administration.
Speaking to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, Trump was asked how Washington would respond if Iran carried out an attack targeting a high-ranking US official.
“They will not exist very long any longer,” Trump replied, without outlining what specific military action the United States might take.
The warning followed reports that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his family had been relocated from their Washington residence to a US military base because of threats linked to Iran.
Reuters reported that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the relocation, while the New York Times said the severity of the threats specifically targeting Bessent remained unclear.
A senior Trump administration official told Fox News that the threats against the Treasury secretary had progressed beyond an advanced stage, prompting authorities to move his family to a more secure location.
Bessent has played a central role in Washington’s economic campaign against Tehran, overseeing sanctions and financial restrictions intended to weaken Iran’s economy and pressure its leadership over attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Treasury Department said Bessent would not be deterred by the threats and remained committed to Operation Economic Outcast, the administration’s campaign targeting Iran’s financial networks.
The operation has accompanied a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, part of Washington’s broader strategy following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
Trump also signalled that further American military action remained an option.
Asked whether he would use force to prevent Iran from threatening US allies and commercial shipping, the president said there would be “No hesitation.”
He suggested strikes could resume immediately if the situation deteriorated, while claiming that the US blockade and economic pressure were pushing Iran’s leadership towards collapse.
In another exchange, Trump acknowledged that it would represent a defeat for his presidency if Iran’s current leadership remained in power when he left office.
The president’s comments come amid heightened security concerns surrounding senior American officials. US intelligence officials have warned that Iranian plots against American personnel and citizens have become increasingly advanced.
Iran has previously denied allegations that it was planning attacks against officials on American soil.
The latest threats underscore the risk of further confrontation between Washington and Tehran, even as the Trump administration maintains that its economic and military pressure campaign is weakening Iran’s ability to sustain the conflict.
