South Korea estimates North Korea holds 80 to 120 nuclear warheads

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said on Thursday that his country's estimates indicate North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, a range significantly higher than the 57 nuclear weapons previously mentioned by former US President Donald Trump.

Speaking before a parliamentary committee, the minister noted that determining the exact number remains extremely difficult.

He added: "Our estimates consistently suggest North Korea holds between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, but it is extremely difficult to determine the precise number."

He explained that this figure is based on assessments by private research organizations, adding that the South Korean military cannot officially confirm these numbers.

Responding to a question about Trump's statement on Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un possesses 57 "very powerful nuclear weapons," the South Korean minister said, "It appears the numbers differ somewhat."

Trump made these remarks at the White House on Wednesday while discussing the North Korean leader and his plans to meet with him later this year.