A luxury superyacht linked to a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing tensions and restrictions in the region.
The 142-metre vessel, Nord, is associated with Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, who is under Western sanctions. The yacht sailed from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend, making it one of the few private vessels to pass through the strategic waterway in recent months.
Although Mordashov is not officially listed as the owner, records indicate the yacht is registered to a company linked to his family. Estimated to be worth over $500 million, the vessel features high-end amenities including a helipad, swimming pool and onboard submarine.
The crossing comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Iran has imposed strict controls over maritime traffic in the strait following its standoff with the United States, warning that vessels approaching certain مناطق could be targeted. In response, US forces have indicated they may intercept ships linked to Iranian ports.
It remains unclear whether the Nord obtained specific clearance from Iranian authorities to use the route. Tracking data suggests the yacht did not enter Iranian territorial ports during its journey.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass. Ongoing tensions have significantly reduced maritime traffic and contributed to a surge in oil prices, with global benchmark Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel.
Mordashov, whose fortune stems largely from his steel and mining company Severstal, has faced sanctions from the US, UK and European Union since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Several of his assets, including yachts, have been targeted or restricted in Western jurisdictions.
As a result, many high-value vessels linked to sanctioned individuals have shifted operations toward regions perceived to be outside the reach of Western enforcement, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Asia.
The incident also coincides with renewed diplomatic engagement between Iran and Russia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met with Putin in St Petersburg, highlighting what both sides describe as a deepening strategic partnership amid ongoing tensions with Western powers.
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