PRECIOUS-Gold slips on bets of higher rates as war fuels inflation fears

* US strikes near Hormuz

* US private payrolls increase in May, ADP says

* US NFP report due on Friday (Updates for US morning hours)

By Ashitha Shivaprasad

June 3 (Reuters) - Gold prices dipped on Wednesday, weighed down by expectations that war-driven inflation will keep interest rates elevated, while investors focused on developments in the Middle East and upcoming economic data.

Spot gold fell 0.7% to $4,452.09 per ounce by 08:40 a.m. EDT (1240 GMT). U.S. gold futures slipped 0.9% to $4,480.50.

Gulf hostilities flared again as Iranian attacks on Kuwait damaged its airport and injured dozens while the U.S. military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with diplomacy to halt the war showing little sign of progress.

"Gold's activity is largely driven by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

"As the conflict intensifies, rising energy prices are expected to lift inflation expectations. This could lead to higher interest rates, further strengthening the dollar and adding additional downward pressure on gold," he added.

Bullion is often seen as a safeguard against inflation, but it tends to become less attractive as a non-yielding asset in a high interest-rate environment.

Oil prices rose, while the U.S. dollar index was up for a third straight session. A stronger U.S. currency makes dollar-priced metals more expensive for holders of other currencies.

On Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh pledged to follow "the best of the Fed's traditions" in an opening note as he starts his four-year term, while also promising a broad look at what might be done differently. Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack said the U.S. central bank may need to raise rates soon should already-high inflation pressures continue to mount.

Focus is also on the U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for May due on Friday to gauge the Fed's monetary policy path.

The ADP's national employment report showed that U.S. private payrolls increased more than expected in May.

Among other metals, spot silver fell 1.5% to $73.98 per ounce, platinum lost 1.4% to $1,908.95, and palladium was down 2.3% at $1,337.75. (Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad in Bengaluru, Editing by Louise Heavens)