Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Britain with preparing a suspected terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in northern England, police said on Friday (2 October).
Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, are accused of preparing to commit or assisting another person to commit an act of terrorism in Manchester around Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the men allegedly attempted to obtain components and equipment to make an improvised explosive device and carried out reconnaissance of potential targets.
Police also said the pair had allegedly been in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
The two men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said they had arrived in Britain by small boat several years ago. One had been granted asylum, while the other has an active asylum claim.
Mahmood said Britain faced a range of serious threats from Iran, including what she described as efforts to target Jewish communities and critics overseas. Iran has denied such accusations.
The charges come amid heightened concern over a separate suspected plot involving RAF Fairford, a U.S.-linked military base in Britain. A dual British-Iranian national was arrested on Thursday in connection with that investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing said there was no connection between the two cases.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the RAF Fairford case, while Tehran has denied involvement.
The Manchester charges were announced almost a year after a fatal attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in the city during Yom Kippur. British authorities have described that 2 October 2025 attack as terrorism.
Police said the latest allegations had caused concern among Manchester's Jewish community as the anniversary of last year's attack coincided with the current High Holy Day period.
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