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

The Creator’s Narrative

At first glance, these AI videos resemble scenes from a Lego movie, yet they are far more intense and dynamic. Featuring dying children, fighter jets, and US President Donald Trump, they serve as pro-Iranian propaganda. In a BBC podcast interview titled Top Comment, we spoke to a representative of Explosive Media, a key producer of these clips. He requested to be called Mr. Explosive, describing himself as a social media strategist who previously denied ties to the Iranian government. While the outlet has claimed independence in past interviews, Mr. Explosive now acknowledges the regime as a “customer,” a stance he had not publicly affirmed before.

Mr. Explosive emphasized that the videos aim to depict Iran as a force opposing the United States, portraying it as a global oppressor. Despite their garish style and lack of subtlety, the content has gained widespread traction. In one clip, Donald Trump is shown falling through a storm of “Epstein file” documents, accompanied by rap lyrics warning of “secrets leaking” and “pressure rising.” Another video features George Floyd under a policeman’s boot, with the caption asserting Iran stands “here for everyone your system ever wronged.”

Expert Analysis

Dr. Emma Briant, a leading propaganda expert, argues that “slopaganda”—a term from an academic paper—falls short of describing the impact of these “highly sophisticated” clips. The videos have been viewed hundreds of millions of times since the war began. During a video call, Mr. Explosive appeared in silhouette, surrounded by red and green lights symbolizing the Iranian flag. On his desk sat a green-feathered helmet tied to the Shia warrior Husayn ibn Ali, a recurring figure in their content.

Mr. Explosive explained that Lego-style graphics are chosen because they act as a “world language,” making the message more accessible. Iranian and Russian state media frequently share these clips with millions of followers. When asked about the Epstein files’ prominence, he claimed they highlight the “confrontation” between Iran, which “seeks truth and freedom,” and “those who associate themselves with cannibals.” This refers to the unverified theory linking the Trump administration to cannibalism via the Epstein files.

In response to factual discrepancies, such as the Iranian military capturing a downed US pilot, Mr. Explosive disputes US officials’ accounts. He says,

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

When challenged with evidence of a pilot being treated in Kuwait, he retorts,

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

This alternative narrative has resonated with English-speaking audiences, as noted by a TikTok influencer, @newswithsteph, who described the videos as “shockingly accurate” and “breaking the story” about a uranium-focused mission.

Strategic Use of AI

Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare expert at Nottingham Trent University, labels Iran’s tactics as “defensive memetic warfare.” She highlights how these creators leverage AI to counter US rhetoric effectively. The videos, initially appearing in early 2025, have surged in popularity during the conflict. They now depict highly specific Gulf locations—power stations, airports, and industrial sites—being obliterated by Iranian missiles, adding layers of detail to their message.