We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
At first glance, these videos resemble scenes from a Lego movie, though more dynamic and intense. Featuring dramatic imagery of dying children, fighter jets, and Donald Trump, they are far from playful—instead, they serve as pro-Iranian propaganda. In a new BBC podcast, Top Comment, we interviewed a representative of Explosive Media, one of the leading creators of such content. He requested to be called Mr Explosive, a social media strategist who initially downplayed ties to the Iranian government. While the outlet has previously claimed independence, he later acknowledged the regime as a “customer,” a statement he had not publicly confirmed before.
The core narrative of these videos is Iran’s resistance against the United States, framed as an oppressive global force. Despite their bold and unsubtle style, the clips have sparked widespread sharing and engagement. One video shows Trump plummeting through a storm of “Epstein file” documents as rap lyrics declare, “the secrets are leaking, the pressure is rising.” Another features George Floyd beneath a boot, accompanied by the message that “Iran is standing here for everyone your system ever wronged.”
Expert Analysis on AI-Driven Narratives
Dr Emma Briant, a leading propaganda analyst, argues that the term “slopaganda”—a neologism from an academic paper—falls short of describing the impact of these “highly sophisticated” clips. AI-generated content has amassed hundreds of millions of views during the conflict. During our video call, Mr Explosive appeared in a silhouette, with red and green lights—colors of the Iranian flag—surrounding him. A green-feathered helmet, symbolizing Shia warrior Husayn ibn Ali, sat on his desk, a recurring element in their videos.
“Lego-style graphics are a world language,” he explained. “They make the message accessible, even if the details aren’t entirely accurate.”
When asked about the Epstein files, Mr Explosive emphasized their role in illustrating the “confrontation between Iran, which seeks truth and freedom, and those who align with cannibals.” This refers to the conspiracy theory linking the Trump administration to cannibalism, despite a lack of credible evidence. He also defended the portrayal of the Iranian military capturing a U.S. pilot, stating that the rescue operation was likely a distraction from the regime’s goal of stealing uranium. “Only 13% of what Mr Trump says is based on facts,” he insisted.
Iranian and Russian state media frequently share these videos, amplifying their reach. A U.S.-based TikTok influencer, @newswithsteph, noted their “shockingly accurate” depiction of a recent mission as a “special ops mission for uranium,” not a rescue. Briant highlights how AI enables Iran and other authoritarian states to bypass traditional channels, using Western-trained tools to craft culturally resonant content. This, she says, fills a gap in past efforts to influence global audiences.
The Evolution of Propaganda in the Digital Age
Since emerging in early 2025, the Lego-style videos have grown more intricate, showcasing specific Gulf locations like power stations and airports. Their detailed imagery underscores the strategic use of AI to shape narratives. As the U.S.-Iran war intensifies, these clips continue to blur the line between entertainment and ideology, proving their effectiveness in capturing public attention.
