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Superyacht Linked to Alexei Mordashov Crosses the Strait of Hormuz Despite Naval Blockade

The unchallenged Dubai-to-Muscat passage raises questions about who authorizes civilian transits through the restricted waterway.

Overview

  • The 142‑meter Nord completed a run from Dubai to near Muscat without interception, with MarineTraffic and LSEG data showing no stops in Iran and positioning the yacht off Oman after the crossing.
  • U.S. Central Command’s stated blockade line sits east of the yacht’s last reported position, which helps explain why there was no reported challenge during the transit.
  • Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been tightly restricted since late February due to Iran–U.S. hostilities, and most private vessels have avoided the route.
  • The yacht is linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, though registries list a company owned by his wife as the holder, and it is not known if he was on board.
  • The crossing coincided with a Russia–Iran meeting in Saint Petersburg featuring Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi and President Vladimir Putin, drawing diplomatic and market attention to the oil chokepoint as officials offered no public explanation.