The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has warned it will respond immediately to any military movements of separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates that undermine de-escalation efforts in the south.

The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia held a telephone conversation, exchanging views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly fired on the eastern Hadramout province in Yemen. The strikes were allegedly against the Southern Transitional Council.

Saudi Arabia has called on separatists in Yemen to withdraw from two governorates they now hold. This move could spark tensions within the coalition fighting the Houthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia warned it will back Yemen's government militarily if separatists do not withdraw from seized provinces, following reported Saudi airstrikes and U.S. calls for restraint.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday said it would back Sanaa's government in any military confrontation with separatist forces in a statement that came a day after reported Saudi air strikes in Yemen's Hadramawt province.

Saudi Arabia, the chief backer of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, said Thursday that separatist forces must return recently