U.S. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, a key figure in shaping the nation's vaccine guidelines, is reportedly leaving his roles within the Department of Health and Human Services, according to MIT Technology Review. The news comes as President Donald Trump suggested that a change in power in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen," as reported by Fortune, and as discussions continue regarding the future of Gaza and the transatlantic alliance, as detailed by NPR.
O'Neill, who oversaw a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars and signed the decision memorandum on the controversial new U.S. vaccine schedule, was described as a "longevity enthusiast" by MIT Technology Review. He had outlined plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research supported by ARPA-H, a federal agency dedicated to biomedical breakthroughs. His departure follows a period where he became one of the most powerful figures in public health, holding two significant roles within the federal health and science agencies.
Meanwhile, President Trump's comments on Iran, made after a visit with troops at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and the deployment of a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast, reflect ongoing tensions in the region. "It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," Trump said, according to Fortune, when asked about the possibility of ousting the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. He further suggested that his top priority is for Iran to scale back its nuclear program.
The future of Gaza is also under discussion. A U.S. proposal obtained by NPR, titled "Gaza Exit Strategy and the Morning After," recommended setting up Palestinian and international security forces to prevent a resurgence of conflict after the war.
Furthermore, the transatlantic alliance is facing scrutiny. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, discussed the alliance's survival at the Munich Security Conference, as reported by NPR.
In other news, Venezuela is debating a sweeping amnesty for political prisoners, as reported by NPR.
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