Two Iranians charged with plotting terror attack on Manchester Jewish community
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, face terrorism charges after their arrest in Manchester on 20 September. Both arrived in the UK by small boat, the Home Secretary confirmed.
Iranian men charged over alleged Manchester terror plot targeting Jewish community
Two Iranian nationals have been charged with preparing a terrorist attack against the Jewish community in Manchester, The Sun reports. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, were arrested on Newton Street in Manchester on 20 September and subsequently transferred to a London police station, where they remain in custody. Both have been remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that both men arrived in the UK by small boat — one in 2020 and the other in 2023. One was granted asylum; the other has an asylum application still pending. The Home Office said it is monitoring the criminal proceedings and will take appropriate action once they conclude.
The Metropolitan Police charged both men with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. According to police, the two are alleged to have used encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device. They are also said to have obtained a document titled "Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb", as well as video material on improvised bomb construction and the parts required to manufacture one.
In addition, police allege the pair identified and researched potential targets, acquired images, plans and maps, and carried out reconnaissance in preparation for an attack.
Investigators said the two men were allegedly in contact with an "overseas third party" who may be based in Iran in connection with the plot.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the charges as "extremely serious". "This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester," Evans said. She added that police "do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter" but asked people to remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns.
Evans acknowledged that the case "will likely increase what were already heightened concerns amongst the Jewish community" and drew a broader warning about threats originating from Iran. "While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that Counter Terrorism Policing, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts," she said.
Home Secretary Mahmood said the arrests were "a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors". She described the news as "deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur", and noted its particular resonance in Manchester, as the city marks one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
Mahmood also linked the case to the government's approach to small boat crossings. "The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country," she said, adding that while numbers are down, further action remains necessary.
The Home Secretary said the government would be "unrelenting" in efforts to protect Jewish communities and stated it was "no secret" that the country faces "serious threats from the Iranian regime". She noted that the Prime Minister has pointed to "strong indications of Iran's involvement in the events near RAF Fairford" and said the government is "responding to these threats with new powers and record funding to disrupt hostile activity".
Officers obtained warrants of further detention for both men on 22 September — the same day as Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — allowing police to hold them in custody until 27 September.
Source: The Sun