We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
Viral AI Videos Shape Iranian Narrative in Global Conflict
AI-generated clips mimicking the colorful, modular style of Lego animations have surged in popularity, blending vivid imagery with sharp political messaging. These videos, featuring dying children, US President Donald Trump, and fighter jets, are not just entertainment—they serve as potent pro-Iranian propaganda. The BBC’s Top Comment podcast recently interviewed a representative from Explosive Media, the outlet behind these visuals, who prefers to be called Mr. Explosive. He initially denied ties to the Iranian government but later acknowledged the regime as a “customer,” a claim he hadn’t publicly confirmed before.
Aesthetic Choice as Strategic Tool
Mr. Explosive emphasized that the Lego-like graphics are deliberate, stating they act as a “universal visual language.” This approach, he explained, allows the content to resonate widely, even as it promotes Iran’s resistance against the United States. The clips are intentionally bold and unsubtle, yet they continue to spark engagement online. In one, Trump is depicted falling through a storm of “Epstein file” documents, accompanied by rap lyrics that hint at hidden truths. Another shows George Floyd beneath a boot, while a voiceover declares Iran’s defiance against “the system that wronged everyone.”
“Slopaganda is too weak a term to describe this ‘highly sophisticated’ content,” said Dr. Emma Briant, a leading propaganda expert. The videos, she noted, have been shared billions of times during the ongoing war, leveraging AI to bypass traditional media barriers.
Alternative Narratives and Factual Debates
When asked about the Epstein files, Mr. Explosive linked them to the “confrontation” between Iran and “those who associate themselves with cannibals,” a reference to the conspiracy theory tying the Trump administration to cannibalism. While this claim lacks evidence, it underscores the videos’ role in amplifying specific narratives. The same outlet also includes scenes of a downed US pilot, which Mr. Explosive disputes. He argues the focus was on “stealing uranium” rather than rescue operations, despite US officials confirming the pilot was recovered in Kuwait on 4 April.
Iranian and Russian state media frequently repurpose these clips, sharing them with millions. A TikTok influencer, @newswithsteph, praised the videos for “breaking the story” about a US mission described as “special ops for uranium” rather than a rescue. This strategy reflects a broader trend: authoritarian states now use AI to craft culturally resonant content, bypassing Western skepticism.
Defensive Memetic Warfare
Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare specialist at Nottingham Trent University, called Iran’s tactics “defensive memetic warfare.” She explained that by creating content shaped by Western data, the country can counter US narratives more effectively. The videos first emerged in early 2025 but gained traction after the US-Iran war intensified. Now, they depict detailed Gulf scenes, such as power stations and airports, destroyed by Iranian missiles—though some of these portrayals may exaggerate the scale of damage.
As AI tools evolve, they empower Iran to directly reach global audiences, crafting stories that align with their strategic goals. The Lego aesthetic, once a children’s toy, has transformed into a battleground for ideological influence, proving that even the most whimsical visuals can carry heavy political weight.
