[Bank of England Holds Rates Steady as Expected, Warns of Potential Hikes if Iran War Persists] Jin10 News, September 17 – The Bank of England has kept its interest rate unchanged at 3.75%, in line with market expectations, while warning that if the Middle East conflict escalates and leads to increased inflationary pressures, further rate hikes may be necessary. Six rate-setting policymakers, including Governor Bailey, voted in favor of maintaining the current rate. The Monetary Policy Committee's stance remains largely consistent with the July meeting. In his remarks, Bailey stated that the global energy shock has had a limited impact on UK prices and wages so far. However, he added, "The longer this volatility persists, the greater its impact on inflation, and the higher the likelihood that we will raise the bank rate." Alongside its rate decision, the Bank announced it would abandon plans to sell long-term government bonds and stated that it aims to complete the write-down of its £488 billion debt portfolio by September 2034.