Israeli defense officials say the U.S. and Israel have postponed their largest-ever war games to avoid aggravating mounting tensions between Iran and the international community, according to AP.

The missile defense exercise, "Austere Challenge 12," was scheduled for April to improve defense systems and cooperation between U.S. and Israeli forces.

Defense officials said Monday, Jan 16, the drill won't take place before the second half of 2012. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the decision, which they say was taken on Sunday.

Thousands of American and Israeli soldiers were to take part in the exercise, which was designed to test multiple Israeli and U.S. air defense systems against incoming missiles and rockets from places as far away as Iran.