South Korea estimates North Korea holds up to 120 nuclear warheads

Seoul estimates North Korea to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, according to Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, who testified before a parliamentary committee. Ahn cautioned that determining an exact figure was challenging. The range is significantly higher than Trump's assertion of North Korea having 57 nuclear weapons.

Ahn clarified that the estimate was based on reports from private research organizations, and South Korea's military could not officially confirm the numbers. Trump's claim about Kim possessing 57 powerful nuclear weapons was questioned. Ahn reiterated that South Korea could not officially acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and declined to comment on whether Trump's remarks amounted to US recognition of North Korea's nuclear status.

South Korea has traditionally avoided disclosing detailed estimates of North Korea's nuclear stockpile to support its policy of denuclearisation. Despite Trump's efforts to revive engagement with Kim, North Korea remains unimpressed with the reduced US-South Korean military drills, which Ahn emphasized would not change their steadfast non-nuclear stance.