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

A superyacht linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin's close ally, sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov, sailed through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz over the April 25-27 weekend, highlighting elite privileges amid escalating US-Iran tensions.

The 142-metre (465-foot) Nord — valued at $500 million+ with luxuries like a pool, helipad, and submarine — reportedly departed a Gulf port Friday night, crossed the strait Saturday using an Iran-declared "safe lane," and docked in Muscat, Oman, Sunday, per MarineTraffic data.

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Mordashov, chairman of steel giant Severstal and under US/UK/EU sanctions since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion, denies ownership; it's registered to a firm tied to his wife, the BBC reported.

Putin hosts Araghchi in St Petersburg

According to Ynet News, the transit coincides with Iran-Russia diplomacy: Putin hosted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg Monday, praising Iran's "courageous" sovereignty fight against US/Israel pressure.

Araghchi hailed the Russia-Iran "strategic partnership" on X, amid stalled peace talks and President Trump's US blockade on Iranian ports.

Maritime woes have spiked Brent crude to $109/barrel up nearly 2% on Tuesday (April 28, 2026), fueling global inflation fears in this oil chokepoint flashpoint.

Iran announced a near-total blockade on the strait — chokepoint for 20% of global oil — after late February clashes with the US/Israel, redirecting 37+ vessels via US Central Command.

Nord, one of few private yachts to pass, raises questions of special permissions.

No official clearance details emerged, fueling speculation of backchannel deals in the oil-war flashpoint.