The G-8 nations are turning up the heat on Iran. While two weeks ago the Group of 8 industrial nations said they were "concerned" about Tehran's nuclear program, they declared Wednesday at their summit in Italy that now they are "seriously concerned" about Iran's atomic weapon ambitions.

Not "seriously concerned" enough to lay down tough sanctions. But "seriously concerned" enough to agree "to take stock of the situation" in Iran at a United Nations meeting in September.

OK, I'm too sarcastic. Diplomacy by its nature moves slowly and cautiously. No doubt the G-8 leaders want to halt Iran's weapons drive. That program, say several sources, now alarms even Russia, but, by all accounts, Moscow remains cool to tough measures against Tehran.

However sarcastic I may...