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AI war propaganda goes viral
Tehran: As the Middle East conflict enters its sixth week the war is not only being fought on the ground but also online. Alongside missile strikes and military operations and both sides are using digital content to push their narratives and influence global audiences.
One unusual trend gaining attention is the rise of animated Lego-style war videos many of which are being linked to Iranian creators.
A YouTube channel called Akhbar Enfejari (translated as “Explosive News”) is believed to be behind several of these viral clips according to reports by The New Yorker. These animations often just a couple of minutes long have gathered millions of views.
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They feature Lego-like characters in dramatic and controversial scenes such as missiles heading toward Tel Aviv or attacks symbolically targeting the United States. Some videos also include political references. For instance, one animation touches on rumours about Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being replaced by a deepfake. Another shows a Lego version of Donald Trump in a fictional scenario tied to global controversies.
There are claims that the channel may be linked to Iranian government. However, a spokesperson for the group denied this by saying it is an independent student-led media team focused on social activism.
The team has chosen to stay anonymous due to safety concerns. In a statement they even mentioned that some of their universities were damaged in past US strikes, adding a personal angle to their work.
These videos are not just creative they are also produced very quickly. The creators say they use AI and digital editing tools to make each clip in about 24 hours.
They describe their work as deeply personal by saying every frame and idea feels like something they have carefully built.
Experts say these animations are part of a growing trend where political messaging is delivered through humour, memes, and eye-catching visuals. Even governments like that of the United States have used meme style content and game like videos in recent years to communicate online and shape public opinion.
Recently the platforms like YouTube and Instagram removed accounts linked to the group for violating policies related to spam and misleading content. However, the videos are still circulating on X. The creators have now rebranded themselves as “Explosive Media” and are posting more content in English to reach a global audience.
The rise of these Lego-style war videos highlights how modern conflicts are no longer limited to physical battlefields. Social media, animation, and AI tools are becoming more powerful weapons in shaping narratives and influencing how the world views war.
