- Iran-linked YouTube channel Explosive News creates viral Lego-style war animations
- Videos depict missile strikes on Tel Aviv, White House, and reference US historical events
- Channel claims independence, describes itself as student-led with social activism roots
The Middle East war is almost in its sixth week, and alongside the missile strikes and bombardments, the warring nations have also used information and video tools to further their narrative.
Animated videos have appeared from both sides, but Iran has been particularly active, creating these clips often using Lego-style characters.
A YouTube channel named Akhbar Enfejari, or Explosive News, is likely responsible for many of these viral animations, according to The New Yorker. These videos have raked up millions of views and drawn comments from audiences around the world.
In one video, Lego figures cheer as missiles fly towards Tel Aviv. Other clips show a missile hitting a burning White House and Lego missiles carrying messages honouring victims of past US actions, from Native Americans to Vietnamese villagers, with slogans such as “ONE VENGEANCE FOR ALL.”
One of the animations also touched upon the rumour that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was replaced by a deepfake. Another depicts Lego Trump examining photos of himself and Netanyahu in relation to Jeffrey Epstein files before launching a missile that strikes an Iranian school.
According to multiple news reports, Explosive News might have affiliations with the Iranian government. A representative of the platform, though, told The New Yorker that the channel is independent, calling it “a student-led media team with a background in social activism.”
The spokesperson said they prefer to remain anonymous for safety, but also joked that some of their old universities were bombed during US strikes, calling it “quite a ‘gift' from Donald Trump to Iranian science and culture.”
The Lego-style videos first appeared during strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. The team creates them using AI and digital editing, producing a two-minute clip in roughly 24 hours. “Every scene, every frame, every hidden detail, and every idea in our work feel like our own children,” said the spokesperson.
These animations mirror a broader online culture where political messaging often uses humour, exaggeration or shocking visuals. The Trump administration has also employed videos, meme-style posts and game-like footage to communicate online.
Recently, YouTube and Instagram removed Explosive News' accounts, citing violations of spam and deceptive practices rules. The videos are still accessible on X (formerly Twitter).
The group has since rebranded as Explosive Media and is also posting in English to reach a wider audience. Their recent teasers feature bombs falling on burning bald eagles while a Lego Moses stands by as a pyramid with Trump's face is set on fire.
