Jari Eloranta, a professor specializing in the economics of war at the University of Helsinki, has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating conflict in Iran. He notes that while the United States has previously conducted tactical strikes, the likelihood of a broader conflict is increasing as the U.S. approaches a point where it may target Iran's oil infrastructure. This could signify a dangerous escalation in the situation, potentially legitimizing such strikes in the eyes of military strategy.

Eloranta warns that if the U.S. were to strike at Iran's oil production capabilities, this could provoke a fierce retaliation from Iran against the oil infrastructures of other Middle Eastern producers. He underscores that up to this point, military actions have been limited, but a shift to a more unrestricted warfare could arise from such attacks, marking a severe and unsettling change in the conflict dynamics.

The implications of these developments extend beyond regional conflicts, as they could trigger involvement from major players like China, who relies heavily on Iranian oil. This possibility of widespread conflict is compounded by the already rising global oil prices due to the war, which has direct effects on fuel costs in many countries, including Finland.