Henri Vanhanen, an expert in foreign and security policy, believes that Iran is likely to prolong the war and increase the costs for the United States and Israel. He highlights that the consequences of the war are already being felt in Europe and Finland, notably through rising gasoline prices and increased housing loan interest rates. This ongoing situation demonstrates Iran's ability to influence the financial implications of warfare significantly.

Vanhanen points out the lack of a coherent plan from the United States regarding the conflict, stating that the war has begun to resemble a 'classical escalation trap.' This term refers to the idea that the US may think it can quickly conclude the conflict by intensifying its military actions, but such an approach only further entangles the country in a prolonged war, escalating its length and costs. The expert's commentary reveals serious concerns regarding the potential for an extended military engagement without a strategic exit plan.

In outlining his worst-case scenarios, Vanhanen predicts that the war could extend for months, with significant repercussions not just locally but globally. The potential for increased instability due to the conflict raises alarms about the refugee crisis and terrorism threats that could emerge as a direct consequence of the ongoing violence. Such developments would not only affect the immediate region but also have far-reaching implications for European countries, particularly in terms of security and economic stress.