Hawzah News Agency- A report by CNN has spotlighted the phenomenon, examining how a group of young Iranians producing short, satirical political videos in Lego format has managed to capture widespread attention across social media platforms. The videos, released almost daily, deploy cultural references to America and the West to deliver sharp, humorous critiques of international and political developments.
Who are 'Explosive Media'?
According to the CNN report by Layla Qarahgozlou, the team behind the project operates under the name "Explosive Media" and consists of young Iranians aged 18 to 25, all living inside Iran, many of whom have never traveled abroad.
Their stated mission: shattering the image of Iran manufactured in the West and presenting a face of Iranian society that is "aware, cultured, and humorous" to global audiences.
"We know the West has a bad image of us. They don't know us at all," one member told CNN. "We wanted to break this wall of censorship and show that we're funny—even funnier than you. We understand culture and art, and we're highly educated. We know American culture well, but unfortunately you don't know much about ours. We hope you learn more about us."
'No one imposed this on us'
While the group does not hide its support for the Islamic Republic of Iran, members insist their content reflects independent views.
"We are committed to the Islamic Republic. This is our belief, our perspective, and nobody imposed it on us," one member stated. "Before the war, like other media that criticize their own government, we produced critical videos too. But when the war started, internal differences no longer mattered."
The group rejected any direct cooperation with military institutions, including the IRGC, and stated that like any other media company, they simply have the option of selling publishing rights to various outlets, including state-affiliated media.
A question of allegiance, and a reporter's answer
CNN's correspondent described her first contact with the team via the X platform: "I introduced myself and requested an interview. They immediately responded and asked where I was from. As an Iranian journalist, I expected that question." She added that before the interview proceeded, she was asked whether she supported the American-Israeli war against Iran.
"As a professional and impartial journalist, my duty is to report events as objectively as possible, without inserting personal views," she replied. "And as an Iranian, I would never be happy to see my country destroyed." The interview ultimately took place in Persian—the group's first with an Iranian journalist.
Not just propaganda, analysts say
The CNN report cites media experts describing the videos as a blend of "creative political satire" and a form of "protest expression against American policies"—a phenomenon that defies easy categorization as mere state propaganda or counter-propaganda.
The report also notes that the Gaza war has shifted the global media landscape, fueling rising international criticism of US and Israeli policies and providing fertile ground for such content to gain broader traction.
Bypassing restrictions, winning audiences
Notably, the rise of this media current has coincided with internet restrictions inside Iran. Despite limitations on general public access to the global internet, Explosive Media has obtained official licensing as a news outlet, enabling it to connect to the international web and push its content worldwide.
The group has vowed to continue producing its signature Lego-style political videos.
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