The Pentagon said Monday that the United States had agreed with South Korea to halt the Ulchi Freedom Guardian "war game" in August, in a move analysts said would stoke concern in Tokyo.

South Korea's Defense Ministry had earlier in the day announced the suspension, following U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge last week to end the joint exercises after his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"Following close cooperation, South Korea and the U.S. decided to suspend all planning activities for the UFG, the defensive exercise slated for August," that statement said. "The South and the U.S. plan to continue consultations over additional measures."