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"Iran's ability to attract new investment to develop its oil and natural gas resources, and to produce or import refined petroleum products, has been severely limited," the State Department said in a statement. Cutting the Islamic republic's income from oil and gas revenue is one of the main thrusts of the US strategy to stop Iran from investing in its nuclear energy program. Western nations accuse Iran of covertly seeking to acquire an atomic bomb. But Tehran has denied the allegations, saying its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes.