"On a day that has seen U.S. naval vessels in the Indian Ocean put on high alert, and on the eve of the Iran debate in the United Nations Security Council, this morning's report came as a bombshell to most Americans. Quoting sources close to the administration, the Washington Post says there's been a serious incident involving a United States warship in the waters off the coast of Iran. No further details are given in the story, attributed the paper's defence correspondent. However, one rumour, being heard increasingly in the Capitol this morning, says the vessel is a U.S. submarine that has disappeared whilst on routine patrol in the area. Coming just at the same time, the latest news of a Naval alert [...] has alarmed many people, by seeming to confirm that something very serious has happened. A Pentagon spokesman refused to be drawn one way or other on the crisis parrying all reporter's questions at his regular morning press briefing."