• Source:JND

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains very low as tensions continue between the United States and Israel. While Iran has restricted movement in the critical waterway, which carries one-fifth of the world’s oil, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Despite these restrictions, a luxury superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov was seen passing through the strait.

Russian Superyacht Worth Sails Through Hormuz 

According to ship tracking website MarineTraffic platform’s data, the 142-metre yacht, Nord left Dubai on Friday, crossed the strait on Saturday, and later reached Muscat in Oman on Sunday. It is yet not clear how the multi-deck pleasure vessel was allowed to pass successfully through the restricted waters. According to reports, only a small number of merchant vessels are allowed to pass through the route, compared to around 125-140 daily crossings before tensions escalated in February.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a key flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday criticised attempts by Tehran to regulate or monetise the passage of ships through the strait. In an interview with Fox News, Rubio warned that the US would reject any effort to "normalise" a system in which Iran dictates access to one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

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"If what they mean by opening the Straits is 'Yes, the straits are open as long as you coordinate with Iran. Get our permission, or we'll blow you up and pay us. That's not opening the Strait. That is an international waterway," he said.

Iran FM Meets Russian President Putin

Meanwhile, Russia and Iran continue to maintain close ties, with cooperation strengthening in recent years through security and intelligence agreements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip to Moscow. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude for solidarity and welcomed Russia's support for diplomacy.

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Araghchi wrote, “Pleased to engage with Russia at the highest level as the region is in major flux. Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership. As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia's support for diplomacy.”

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