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Bonus Ep: How Iran is using rap and lego to win the propaganda war

Apr 30, 2026 •

Iran’s war time propaganda videos featuring AI rap music and Lego characters are getting millions of views online. 

They praise the Islamic Republic, and mock Trump. But their message is also dark, anti-semitic and leaning into conspiracy theories.

So how has a regime that’s shut down the internet, and isn’t known for its sense of humor captured the zeitgeist so well?

Today, Holly Dagres, an Iranian-American analyst from the Washington Institute on Iran’s viral meme war and what it tells us about the regime. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Bonus Ep: How Iran is using rap and lego to win the propaganda war

1899 • Apr 30, 2026

Bonus Ep: How Iran is using rap and lego to win the propaganda war

Iran’s war time propaganda videos featuring AI rap music and Lego characters are getting millions of views online. 

They praise the Islamic Republic, and mock Trump. But their message is also dark, anti-semitic and leaning into conspiracy theories.

So how has a regime that’s shut down the internet, and isn’t known for its sense of humor captured the zeitgeist so well?

Today, Holly Dagres, an Iranian-American analyst from the Washington Institute on Iran’s viral meme war and what it tells us about the regime. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: Senior fellow at the Washington Institute, Holly Dagres

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1899: Bonus Ep: How Iran is using rap and lego to win the propaganda war