New Delhi, April 29 -- The Bank of Japan decided Tuesday to keep its benchmark rate unchanged at 0.75% amid growing worries about the war in Iran pushing prices of oil and other products higher.

The decision from Japan's central bank was expected, though the 6-3 vote by its monetary policy board members was not unanimous. They face pressure to gradually raise rates after years of keeping the benchmark interest rate near or below zero to counter deflationary pressures.

The Bank of Japan said that while the economy was still growing moderately it was expected to slow.

"There are various risks to the outlook," it said in a statement. "For the time being it is necessary to pay particular attention to the impact of the future course of the ...