Russian Superyacht Tries to Pass Blocked Strait

A huge Russian yacht named Nord, linked to billionaire Alexey Mordashov, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The strait is a key route for oil and has been blocked by Iran since February amid U. S. –Iran tensions. The 142‑meter yacht left a Dubai marina at about 1400 GMT on Friday, crossed the strait in the early morning of Saturday, and reached Muscat by Sunday. It is unclear how Nord was allowed to use the channel. Normally, about one‑fifth of global oil flows through this narrow waterway. Only a few merchant ships have been able to transit daily since the blockade began, far fewer than the usual 125‑140 ships that passed each day before February.The U. S. has responded by blocking Iranian ports, while Russia and Iran have strengthened their alliance with a 2025 security treaty. Iran’s foreign minister met President Putin in Russia after talks in Pakistan and Oman. Although Mordashov is not officially listed as the owner, shipping records show that his 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. Nord is one of the world’s largest yachts, featuring 20 cabins, a pool, a helipad and even a submarine.