The 90-mile waterway, back in focus amid Israel’s renewed offensive in Lebanon, could define how far the fighting spreads.

One of the few paths left between the two continents threads through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, as global conflicts complicate aviation logistics.

U.S. officials say the country’s weapons have been diminished, slowing its attacks on Gulf nations and Israel. Iran may also be holding some weapons in reserve in case the conflict is prolonged.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes on a role that makes him not only Iran’s spiritual leader but also the highest authority in the land.