We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
A Viral AI Video Strategy: How Iran Leverages Lego Aesthetics for Propaganda
These AI-generated videos, styled like Lego scenes, appear deceptively playful yet carry a potent message. They depict harrowing imagery of children, fighter jets, and U.S. President Donald Trump, all crafted to align with Iran’s narrative of resistance against the global dominance of the United States.
Mr. Explosive: The Operator Behind the Clips
In a new BBC podcast, Top Comment, the outlet interviewed a representative of Explosive Media, a key producer of these clips. He requested to be known as Mr. Explosive, a social media strategist who initially downplayed ties to the Iranian government.
After further inquiry, Mr. Explosive confirmed the Iranian government is a “customer”—a term he hadn’t previously used publicly. The central theme of these videos is Iran’s portrayal as a defender against U.S.-led global oppression.
Despite their flashy and unsubtle nature, the videos have sparked widespread engagement, with millions sharing and commenting on them. In one clip, Donald Trump is shown tumbling through a storm of “Epstein file” documents as rap lyrics declare, “the secrets are leaking, the pressure is rising.”
Another video features George Floyd under a policeman’s foot, accompanied by the line, “Iran is standing here for everyone your system ever wronged.”
Propaganda with a Playful Twist
Dr. Emma Briant, a leading propaganda analyst, argues that “slopaganda”—a term from an academic paper—fails to capture the sophistication of these videos. AI propaganda clips have amassed hundreds of millions of views during the war, according to estimates.
During a video call, Mr. Explosive was silhouetted with red and green lights, symbols of the Iranian flag, while a green-feathered helmet from Shia warrior Husayn ibn Ali rested on his desk. He emphasized that the Lego aesthetic is a “world language,” making the content accessible to international audiences.
State accounts from Iran and Russia frequently repost these clips, reaching millions of followers. When asked about the prominence of the Epstein files, Mr. Explosive linked it to the “confrontation” between Iran and “those who associate themselves with cannibals,” referencing a controversial theory connecting the Trump administration to cannibalism.
Factual Errors and Alternative Narratives
The videos also contain factual errors, such as depicting the Iranian military capturing a U.S. pilot, despite U.S. officials stating the airman was rescued by special forces on April 4. Mr. Explosive dismissed this, suggesting, “Possibly there was no lost pilot, no rescue operation. Their main goal was to steal uranium from Iran.”
When we pushed back, citing U.S. officials who said the airman is now receiving treatment in Kuwait, he claimed: “Only 13% of what Mr. Trump says is based on facts.”
A New Era of Authoritarian Influence
Dr. Emma Briant notes that AI allows Iran to bypass traditional media barriers, crafting content tailored to Western audiences using models trained on Western data. Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare expert, labels Iran’s approach as “defensive memetic warfare,” a strategy to counter U.S. rhetoric.
Since their debut in early 2025, these Lego-style clips have gained immense traction, now showcasing detailed Gulf locations like power stations and airports, seemingly obliterated by Iranian missiles.
Key Takeaways
These videos exemplify how authoritarian regimes are using AI to shape narratives more effectively than ever before. By blending a universally recognizable style with potent messaging, they challenge Western perceptions and amplify alternative stories.
