Luxury Yacht 'Nord' Navigates Hormuz Amid Tensions

Apr 28, 2026

56 min

Apr 28, 2026 05:30

$500-million superyacht 'Nord', owned by Putin's ally, crosses Hormuz — Report

## Yacht's Journey Through Hormuz

The luxury superyacht 'Nord', valued at over $500 million, recently navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage. The vessel, associated with Alexey Mordashov, a sanctioned Russian billionaire, reportedly left a Gulf port on April 24 and docked in Muscat, Oman, by April 27.

## Ownership and Sanctions

Mordashov, a prominent figure in Russia's steel industry, has been under sanctions by the US, UK, and EU since 2022. Although he denies owning the yacht, it is registered to a company linked to his wife.

## Strategic Passage

The yacht's passage through Hormuz, amid heightened US-Iran tensions, underscores the privileges of the elite. Iran had declared a near-total blockade of the strait, a vital route for global oil, following clashes with the US and Israel. The Nord's transit raises questions about potential special permissions or backchannel negotiations.

## Diplomatic Context

Coinciding with the yacht's journey, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran. This meeting occurred against the backdrop of stalled peace talks and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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