A luxury superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov has transited the Strait of Hormuz, one of the few vessels to pass through the heavily restricted waterway amid the ongoing US-Iran standoff.
The 142-metre yacht Nord, valued at over $500 million, departed a marina in Dubai on Friday, crossed the strait on Saturday, and arrived in Muscat early Sunday, according to shipping data.
It remains unclear how the vessel was permitted to navigate the route, which has seen sharply reduced traffic since Iran imposed restrictions following the outbreak of conflict earlier this year. The strait typically handles around 20% of global oil flows, but daily vessel movement has dropped significantly from pre-war levels. Currently, only
a limited number of ships—mainly commercial vessels—are transiting the waterway as the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports during a fragile ceasefire.
Mordashov, who has been sanctioned by the US and European Union over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is not officially listed as the yacht’s owner. However, records indicate the vessel is linked to a Russian firm owned by his wife.
The development comes as Russia and Iran deepen ties, including through a 2025 agreement strengthening intelligence and security cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently in Russia for talks with Putin following recent mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Oman.
Nord is among the world’s largest yachts, featuring 20 cabins, a swimming pool, helipad and even a submarine, highlighting the stark contrast between luxury travel and the heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
