A Russian-owned superyacht crossed the Strait of Hormuz using a route designated and controlled by Iran, underscoring how access to one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors is now selectively managed amid ongoing tensions.

What is confirmed is that the 142-meter yacht “Nord,” linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexei Mordashov, sailed from Dubai to Oman and transited the strait through a corridor Iran has declared safe.

The route runs close to Iranian territory and is overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has tightened its grip on maritime movement in the area.

The crossing comes as Iran continues to restrict traffic through Hormuz, a strategic passage that typically handles around one-fifth of global oil flows.

Recent incidents include attacks and seizures of vessels attempting to pass without coordination.

Tehran has signaled that ships may transit only under its terms, and reports indicate some vessels are receiving permission to pass, including commercial and state-linked shipping.

The movement of a high-profile vessel tied to a sanctioned figure adds a political layer to an already volatile situation, reinforcing concerns that access to Hormuz is being leveraged as both a military and economic pressure point with global implications for energy markets and maritime security.