3rd October, 2026 | News

Two Iranian Nationals Charged Over Alleged Manchester Terror Plot Targeting Jewish Community

Two Iranian nationals have been charged with preparing terrorist acts over an alleged plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, UK.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested by counter-terrorism police in Manchester on 20 September.

The two men are accused of attempting to obtain materials and information allegedly intended for the preparation of an improvised explosive device. The allegations relate to a suspected plot ahead of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.

Suspects Accused of Preparing Terrorist Acts

Ahmadyan and Salehi have both been charged with preparation of terrorist acts in connection with the alleged Manchester plot.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the suspects allegedly communicated with others using encrypted applications while attempting to obtain components for an improvised explosive device.

They are also accused of trying to obtain instructional material relating to the manufacture of an explosive device.

The charges further allege that the pair used the internet to research potential targets and obtained images, plans and maps of locations they were allegedly considering.

Police Say There Is No Ongoing Public Threat

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the allegations as serious.

She said the investigation had resulted in the disruption of what police believe was a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.

However, police said they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public in connection with the case, while urging people to remain vigilant and report concerns to authorities.

Suspects Arrived in UK on Small Boats

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said both suspects came to the UK on small boats several years ago.

The report states that one arrived in 2020 and the other in 2023. One of the men has been granted asylum, while the other has an active asylum claim.

Counter Terrorism Policing also said the men were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the suspected plot.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court Appearance

Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The allegations concern acts that the defendants are said to have intended to commit, or assist another person to commit, on or before 20 September.

Searches were also carried out at properties in Liverpool and Salford as part of the investigation.

CPS Confirms Prosecution

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had reviewed the evidence and determined that there was sufficient evidence to bring the case before the court.

He also urged the public to avoid online commentary while the legal proceedings are active.

The CPS said the safety of the Jewish community and the wider public remains a priority as the investigation continues.