Russian Superyacht Tries to Pass Blocked Strait

A massive 142‑meter yacht named Nord, linked to billionaire Alexey Mordashov, cut through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The strait—critical for global oil flows—has been closed by Iran since February amid U.S.–Iran tensions.

Timeline
Friday, ~1400 GMT: Nord departs a Dubai marina.
Saturday early morning: Narrows the strait.
Sunday: Arrives in Muscat.

The yacht’s transit is puzzling. Normally, the channel handles roughly one‑fifth of world oil shipments, and only a handful of merchant vessels have slipped through since the blockade began—far below the 125–140 ships that normally pass daily.

International Reactions
The U.S. has blocked Iranian ports.
Russia and Iran have cemented their alliance with a 2025 security treaty.
Iran’s foreign minister met President Putin in Russia after talks in Pakistan and Oman.
Ownership Details
Though not officially listed as the owner, shipping records indicate that Mordashov’s wife’s Russian company registered Nord in 2022.
Mordashov is among several Russians sanctioned by the U.S. and EU for ties to Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Yacht Features
20 cabins
A pool
A helipad
An onboard submarine

This high‑profile voyage underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding a critical maritime chokepoint and highlights the intricate ties between global elites, sanctioned individuals, and shifting alliances.

Actions