India, March 12 -- In a major diplomatic relief for India amid the Middle East crisis, Iran has allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over a potential crude supply crisis for the South Asian nation, media reports said.

India joined the list of countries including China and Russia to be exempted even when the US, Europe and Israel face restrictions in the waterway.

The development comes just hours after a Thai cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

The vessel, reportedly bound for India, caught fire after being hit.

The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree reportedly came under attack shortly af...