Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Plot to Target Manchester Jewish Community

Two Iranian nationals from Salford and Liverpool have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged bomb plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community. Counter-terrorism police arrested the suspects on the eve of Yom Kippur following an operation involving encrypted communications and online research into local targets.

Two Iranian Men Face Terrorism Charges Over Manchester Plot

Two men living in the North West of England have been charged with terrorism offences following a joint investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing and security services. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, are accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.

Investigators allege the two men intended to use an improvised explosive device to attack Jewish communities in the Manchester area.

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Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, stated that prosecutors decided to bring charges following a fast-paced counter-terrorism policing investigation in Greater Manchester during September. Officials confirmed that Rahman Salehi is 34 years old, born on October 28, 1991, while Salam Ahmadyan is 36 years old, born on March 5, 1990.

Suspects Acquired Bomb Instructions and Researched Targets Online

Police particulars state that the suspects used encrypted applications to communicate with others and acquire components for a homemade bomb. According to Counter Terrorism Policing, the defendants obtained a document entitled Steps for Making a Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb alongside video instructions on how to assemble an improvised explosive device.

The charges further allege that the pair researched potential targets online, acquired maps, plans, and images of locations, and conducted physical reconnaissance. Investigators believe the men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be located in Iran.

A police car and a van and several officers stand guard by a police cordon in a city-centre location — Photo: bbc.co.uk

Authorities detail that the suspects sought to acquire liquids, components, and equipment required to manufacture or assemble the explosive device. Investigators also state the pair used the internet to identify and research potential targets for an attack.

Arrests Coincide With the Anniversary of the Heaton Park Synagogue Attack

The timing brought concern across Jewish communities, coming as Manchester marked one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

Iranian men charged with terror plot to target UK Jewish community | BBC News

The community was mindful that last year’s attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on October 2, 2025, resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, alongside three injured individuals.

“These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors. This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that both suspects arrived in the United Kingdom by small boat several years ago—one in 2020 and the other in 2023—with one granted asylum while the other maintains an active asylum claim.

Police Maintain Patrols as Security Services Conclude Searches

Officers executed searches at properties as part of the fast-paced inquiry.

Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Plot to Target Manchester Jewish Community — Photo: news.met.police.uk

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, reassured the public that authorities do not believe there is any ongoing threat linked to this specific matter. Meanwhile, local forces and community groups such as the Community Security Trust continue to maintain visible security patrols around Jewish institutions across the region.

Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods acknowledged the deep concern felt by communities in Greater Manchester and beyond, noting that local teams work hand in glove with community leaders and the Community Security Trust during the High Holy Days.