As the US, Israel, and Iran engage in a real conflict, a parallel battle unfolds on social media through propaganda. One notable participant in this digital war is Explosive Media, a group likely connected to Iran and staffed by Iranian content creators. They have gained attention by using AI to produce Lego-style videos that mock Donald Trump while advancing Iran’s perspective on the conflict.
In a significant development, YouTube has suspended Explosive Media’s channel, citing the Lego videos as containing “violent content.” This ban occurred shortly after the channel’s latest video, which featured a rap song linking Donald Trump to the Epstein Files, went viral with millions of views across social platforms.
Explosive Media expressed disbelief over the suspension, questioning whether their Lego animations could truly be considered violent. Although the videos depict war and turmoil related to the Middle East conflict, their Lego animation style softens the portrayal, making the violence less graphic. Nevertheless, these videos serve as a vehicle for Iranian propaganda, whether officially endorsed or not. It is possible that YouTube removed the channel due to the content promoting narratives that may lack factual basis.
Earlier during the conflict, Iran accused major tech companies, including Google (YouTube’s parent company) and Oracle, of assisting the US government in various capacities. Iran even threatened to target tech offices and data centers in Gulf countries. So far, these companies have not issued public responses to the allegations.
Despite the YouTube ban, Explosive Media’s Lego videos remain accessible on other social media platforms. These well-crafted and sophisticated videos have attracted millions of views on platforms such as X, TikTok, Instagram, and more. Their popularity has drawn coverage from prominent media outlets recently.
Moustafa Ayad, a researcher at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, noted that Explosive Media’s content makes the conflict understandable from Iran’s viewpoint while simultaneously resonating with disaffected audiences in the United States, effectively working on two fronts.
Although Explosive Media denies any official ties to the Iranian government, critics link the channel to pro-Iranian messaging. The creators demonstrate a strong grasp of internet culture and American societal issues, enabling their videos to reach and influence a wide US audience. A member of the group mentioned that Americans have inadvertently supported their efforts by sharing impactful tips and ideas, further amplifying their reach.
