Hannu Juusola, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the University of Helsinki, has expressed skepticism about the efficacy of U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened military strikes against Iran's power plants. He suggests that rather than leading to the collapse of the Iranian government, such strikes could paradoxically bolster support for the regime among the Iranian populace. Juusola argues that attacks perceived as attempts to destroy Iran itself might push citizens to unite more firmly behind their government, interpreting the actions not as efforts to bring about regime change, but rather as assaults on their nation.

Juusola further elaborates that the destruction of infrastructure would undermine Iran's economic foundations, making it difficult for any future government—or the current one—to function effectively. This sentiment indicates that military actions not only carry immediate repercussions but could also influence the political landscape in Iran for years to come, regardless of who is in power. He believes that such attacks may diminish not just the operational capacity of Iran's current regime but could also doom prospects for a smoother transition to a new one, should the Iranian populace decide they want that change.

The professor's remarks come in the context of specific incidents, like when a U.S. missile accidentally hit a girls' school in southern Iran, raising public distress and anger toward U.S. military actions. Similarly, Israel's strikes on natural gas production areas are also mentioned as provocative actions that could exacerbate tensions. Juusola's perspectives are crucial in understanding the complex dynamics at play in U.S.-Iran relations and the potential fallout from military engagement in the region.