A superyacht linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch and key ally of Vladimir Putin has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing blockades, according to MarineTraffic data. The 465-foot Nord luxury vessel, previously registered to the wife of Alexey Mordashov, travelled from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, on Saturday and Sunday.
Superyacht Crosses Critical Waterway
The Nord, valued at over $500 million, departed a Dubai port on Friday night and docked in Muscat on Sunday. Mordashov, chairman of steel giant Severstal and sanctioned by the West since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, denies ownership of the yacht. Records show that in 2022, the vessel was registered to a firm owned by his wife.
Iran-Russia Talks Amid Strait Crisis
Iran is holding high-level talks with ally Russia this week amid its deepening row with the US over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes. Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that Iran has every right to control the Strait and accused Western states of hypocrisy. "In times of war, a coastal state that is under attack may limit navigation in its territorial waters for the purpose of security," he said.
Iran has proposed to reopen the Strait if the US lifts its blockade and ends the war, postponing talks on Tehran's nuclear programme. However, US President Donald Trump is reportedly unlikely to accept the offer, with one US official saying, "He doesn't love the proposal." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to rule out any deal that excludes Iran's nuclear programme.
Global Leaders Call for Reopening
Leaders of dozens of countries have reiterated calls to open the critical waterway in a joint statement led by Bahrain. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the US for entering the war without a clear strategy, stating, "The problem with conflicts like these is always the same: It's not just about getting in. You also have to get out."
Economic Impact on UK
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, has warned that the UK faces higher prices for food and fuel for at least eight months due to the war. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged the public not to panic but acknowledged changes may be necessary. "There is going to be an impact on the UK. There already is," he told Sky News. "We are doing everything we can to get the Strait of Hormuz open."
Oil Prices Surge
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent global oil prices soaring. Brent crude rose to $109 (£80) a barrel yesterday amid lack of progress in US-Iran negotiations.
Conflict Casualties
Since the war began on February 28, US-Israeli strikes have killed at least 3,375 people in Iran. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,521 people since March 2. Twenty-three people have been killed in Israel by missiles from Iran and Lebanon, and 16 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon. More than a dozen people have been killed in Gulf Arab states, along with 13 US service members and six UN peacekeepers.
Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
Israeli strikes have hit villages in southern Lebanon, including Chakra, Tebnine, and Kafra, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. A drone strike also hit a motorcycle in Mansouri. Israel's military asked residents of 16 southern villages to evacuate, claiming Hezbollah is using the communities to launch attacks on Israeli troops.
