We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda

We Spoke to the Man Behind Viral Lego-Style AI Videos for Iran. Experts Call It Powerful Propaganda

The clips, appearing as if crafted from a Lego set, blend stark imagery with a playful aesthetic. Yet, they depict scenes of conflict, including dying children, fighter jets, and Donald Trump, all serving as tools for Iranian messaging. These videos have gained traction globally, with their creators emphasizing a distinct visual style to captivate audiences.

Mr. Explosive: A Social Media Strategist

Explosive Media, a key producer of these clips, was discussed in a recent BBC podcast, Top Comment. A representative, who prefers to be called Mr. Explosive, described his team as a small unit of fewer than ten individuals. Initially, he denied ties to the Iranian government, but later acknowledged the regime as a “customer.” This admission aligns with his team’s strategy to craft content that resonates across borders.

“Possibly there was no lost pilot, there was no rescue operation. Their main goal was to steal uranium from Iran.”

The Message: Resistance Against the West

These videos frame Iran as a defender of truth and freedom against the United States, a narrative central to their purpose. Despite their garish style, they have sparked widespread engagement, with millions sharing and commenting. One clip features Trump engulfed in “Epstein file” documents, accompanied by rap lyrics about secrets leaking. Another shows George Floyd under a policeman’s boot, symbolizing Iran’s stance against U.S. oppression.

“Only 13% of what Mr. Trump says is based on facts.”

Propaganda in the Digital Age

Experts argue that the term “slopaganda” understates the impact of these AI-generated clips. Dr. Emma Briant, a propaganda analyst, highlights their “highly sophisticated” nature, leveraging Western-trained AI tools to create culturally relevant content. This approach allows authoritarian regimes to bypass traditional media and reach global audiences directly.

Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare researcher, classifies Iran’s tactics as “defensive memetic warfare,” a strategy to counter U.S. narratives. The videos, now more detailed than before, showcase Gulf locations like power stations and airports being destroyed by Iranian missiles. Their popularity surged after the outbreak of the US-Iran war in early 2025.

“They broke the story about the recent US pilot mission that wasn’t a rescue mission at all but a special ops mission for uranium.”

Factual Inaccuracies and Narrative Control

While the videos aim to simplify complex events, they occasionally contain inaccuracies. For instance, a clip claims the Iranian military captured a downed U.S. pilot, but U.S. officials state the airman was rescued by special forces on April 4. Mr. Explosive disputes this, asserting the focus was on “stealing uranium” rather than rescuing the pilot. Such narratives shape public perception, especially among English-speaking viewers.

Iranian and Russian state media frequently share these clips, amplifying their reach. The use of Lego-style graphics, as Mr. Explosive explains, stems from the idea that it is a “world language,” making the message accessible and memorable. As the war continues, these videos remain a potent tool in the fight for global influence.