The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, impacting gas prices for Canadians and likely increasing costs at grocery and hardware stores. The Globe's guest columnist Mitch Heimpel writes that in the United States, affordability is a key concern for voters, intensifying ahead of the midterms. Democrats are likely delaying their stance on the war against Iran to ensure Republicans bear the political fallout. If the war continues, President Donald Trump may face a tough question: what does he want more, the downfall of Tehran's regime or a Republican Congress in 2027? There has also been mixed reporting regarding Iran's placement of underwater ordnance. Countries can, in theory, best missile systems with air superiority. The Americans are trying to do just that with its Air Force and the air wing operating off the USS Abraham Lincoln. Mines exemplify asymmetrical warfare, with basic contact mines costing abut $1,500 compared with a $3.6-million Tomahawk missile. Observers believe the Iranians have mined the strait, which may explain why the U.S. Navy is not providing tanker escorts through the passage, although the military has not confirmed this.