Trump claims North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons, Seoul estimates higher

President Donald Trump has asserted that North Korea possesses 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons, marking an unusual and specific figure from a U.S. official regarding Pyongyang's arsenal. The declaration came as Trump reiterated his claim of having a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, despite the ongoing nuclear tensions.

"This never should have happened. ... If I had been president, I would not have allowed it," Trump stated, expressing a sense of regret over the development of North Korea's nuclear program. He also confirmed plans to meet with Kim Jong-un before the end of the year, signaling a continued engagement despite the nuclear threat.

“

This never should have happened. (...) If I had been president, I would not have allowed it.

However, South Korea's Defense Minister, Ahn Gyu-back, presented a substantially different estimate to lawmakers. Minister Ahn suggested that North Korea's nuclear arsenal is likely between 80 and 120 weapons, a figure that could be nearly double the number cited by President Trump. This significant divergence in estimates underscores the considerable uncertainty and lack of precise intelligence surrounding the true extent of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs over several years, making assessments of its arsenal a complex and challenging task for international intelligence agencies. The differing figures provided by the U.S. and South Korean officials highlight the difficulties in accurately gauging Pyongyang's military strength and the ongoing challenges in denuclearization efforts.

“

We estimate this number to be around 80 to 120.