South Korea estimates North Korea has 80 to 120 nuclear warheads
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South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back told a parliamentary committee that North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, a figure significantly higher than the 57 weapons cited by U.S. President Donald Trump. While the estimate originated from private research organizations rather than official military confirmation, the comments highlighted a discrepancy in intelligence assessments as President Trump seeks to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un. Minister Ahn reiterated that South Korea maintains a non-nuclear policy and continues to rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella while refusing to officially acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.
Consequences
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and North Korea remain uncertain as Kim Yo Jong dismissed recent reductions in joint military drills as insufficient and maintained a cool response to potential engagement. The conflicting assessments of the North Korean nuclear stockpile may complicate future negotiations regarding denuclearization and sanctions relief.
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