A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile about 17 nautical miles north of Doha, Qatar, causing damage to the vessel’s hull above the waterline, the UK Office of Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early Wednesday.

In a warning notice, UKMTO said the vessel sustained damage while the crew are reported safe.

Authorities are investigating the nature of the projectile and the circumstances surrounding the incident, it said, adding there is "no environmental impact."

The agency advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

The development comes amid heightened regional tensions as the US and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, according to Iranian authorities.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

At least 13 US service members have been killed since the war began, according to official US figures, and the conflict has driven up energy prices and affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through it.