New Delhi, June 27 -- A tanker carrying Qatari oil was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, prompting maritime authorities to raise the security threat level in one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes amid renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran.

The attack comes after Washington and Tehran exchanged strikes in the worst flare-up since signing an interim peace agreement two weeks ago, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.

Britain's UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The agency said the vessel sustained damage to its bridge but all crew m...