India, April 22 -- The first sign of a foreign policy crisis for many Indians no longer comes from South Block. It comes as a forwarded video. By the time the government explains the crisis, the public has absorbed it as emotion.

The war in West Asia is being fought not only over territory, airspace, and sea lanes. It is also over first impressions. The first battle is for attention, and it begins on the phone screen. The side that seizes it shapes much of what follows: Television debate, newspaper framing and diplomatic chatter.

Iran understood that when traditional outlets shut you out, social media can still get your message in front of people. It relied not just on official statements or ideological rhetoric but also on memes, short...