Two Iranian nationals have been charged by British authorities with planning a terrorist attack against the Jewish community in Manchester. Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, are accused of trying to acquire components for an improvised explosive device to target the community on or before Yom Kippur.
Manchester Arrests Preceded Yom Kippur
Counterterrorism police arrested Salehi and Ahmadyan in Manchester on September 20, coinciding with the Jewish Day of Atonement. Investigators allege the two men tried to secure equipment for a bomb and conducted reconnaissance on potential targets. The Crown Prosecution Service formally charged them with preparing to commit an act of terrorism. Detectives stated that the suspects communicated with an overseas third party potentially located in Iran. Both men are scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Police stated the suspects allegedly obtained a document titled Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb alongside video instructions for building an improvised explosive device. Police stated the pair used encrypted messaging applications to coordinate their acquisition of materials.
Home Office Details Small Boat Arrivals
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that both Salehi and Ahmadyan arrived in the United Kingdom via small boats from Europe several years ago. The suspects arrived in 2020 and 2023. One man received asylum while the other maintains a live asylum claim. Mahmood emphasized that the Iranian regime actively targets Jewish communities and attempts to silence overseas critics through proxies and criminal networks. Iran has consistently denied involvement in such plots.
| Suspect Name | Age | Location | Arrival Method | Asylum Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahman Salehi | 34 | Salford | Small boat | Not specified |
| Salam Ahmadyan | 36 | Liverpool | Small boat | Not specified |
Broader Security Context and Unconnected Airbase Plot
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, noted that the arrests occur amid rising antisemitic incidents across the UK. Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods confirmed robust policing plans across Jewish communities will remain active throughout the High Holy Days.
Detectives confirmed that the Manchester terror plot has no connection to a separate investigation involving an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, an airbase in western England used by the United States military. A 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national was arrested in London in connection with the Fairford incident.
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