Russian superyacht 'Nord' crosses blockaded Strait of Hormuz with US and Iranian approval

The 141-meter-long superyacht, owned by Alexei Mordashov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, cleared the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing restrictions. The vessel's passage was confirmed by multiple international outlets, including The Straits Times, BBC World, and The Guardian. The Guardian reported that neither Iran nor the US objected to the transit, allowing the yacht to pass through the strategically vital waterway. The event occurred on April 28, 2026, with reports from The Straits Times, BBC World, The Kyiv Independent, The Guardian, and Reuters. The Kyiv Independent noted that the yacht was linked to a sanctioned Russian billionaire, while Reuters provided a brief confirmation of the crossing. The timing of the event, just days after the blockade was imposed, raised questions about the motivations and agreements behind the transit. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been under increased scrutiny due to the US-Iran conflict. The approval for the superyacht's passage suggests a tacit agreement between the two regional powers, despite their ongoing tensions. The event underscores the fluidity of international relations and the potential for cooperation even in times of conflict.