Attacks on the US-led forces have been followed by military strikes by the US military on IRGC installations in southern Iran due to its attacks on merchant vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz and US soldiers. In turn, the Iranian military has made threats of retaliation, whereas the US president, Donald Trump, has said that if Iran does anything, it will face an even harsher reaction. These military confrontations, which are the first ones after those that took place in July, come amidst a naval blockade by the US and increased economic sanctions.