We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran (www.bbc.com)

A new wave of AI-generated viral videos featuring Lego-style animation is being used as pro-Iran propaganda, gaining significant traction amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Created by Explosive Media, these clips often portray controversial figures and events in a sensationalized manner, such as depicting US President Donald Trump in compromising scenarios. Despite claims of independence, the operation has admitted to being commissioned by the Iranian government, which marks a notable shift in the dynamics of state-sponsored media influence, utilizing AI to reach Western audiences directly and effectively. The significance of these videos lies in their ability to exploit advanced AI tools that produce culturally resonant content designed to engage and shape narratives in real time. Experts suggest that this represents a new form of "defensive memetic warfare," where authoritarian states leverage AI capabilities to counteract dominant Western narratives. The clips have been viewed hundreds of millions of times and, while often riddled with factual inaccuracies, they successfully amplify alternative perspectives and create a potent propaganda tool. This phenomenon blurs the lines of traditional media and diplomacy, escalating risks of miscommunication and potential conflict, while simultaneously reflecting the evolving landscape of global information warfare.