[ECB Governing Council Member Rehn: Iran's 'War of Attrition' Could Keep Inflation Elevated] According to a report by Financial Times on September 1, as the market anticipates an interest rate hike by the European Central Bank (ECB) next week, a senior ECB policymaker has warned that the bank must prepare for a potential prolonged 'war of attrition' in the Middle East, which could keep inflation rates in the Eurozone persistently high. ECB Governing Council member Rehn's remarks are expected to reinforce market expectations that the ECB will raise interest rates by 25 basis points next week. Rehn stated, 'We must not take these inflationary pressures lightly,' referring to the surge in energy prices caused by the conflict and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He added, 'We cannot afford any burdensome crisis in Europe.' Rehn's comments mark a hawkish shift in the policymaker's stance, as he had previously placed greater emphasis on the risks to economic growth rather than inflation. This indicates growing support within the ECB Governing Council for tightening monetary policy. (Jin10)