British authorities have charged two Iranian men with terrorism offences linked to a suspected plan against the Jewish community in Manchester. The announcement comes at a time of rising concern over possible Iranian linked activity inside the United Kingdom.
Rahman Salehi, aged 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, aged 36, face accusations of preparing to commit or helping another person carry out an act of terrorism. Police say the pair allegedly tried to obtain materials and equipment needed to build an improvised explosive device. They are also said to have carried out surveillance on possible targets in Manchester. The alleged plan was timed for the eve of Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
Counter terrorism officers revealed that the two men had been in contact with a third party overseas who may be based in Iran. Both men arrived in Britain several years ago after crossing from Europe on a small boat. One had already been granted asylum while the other still had an active asylum claim. They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Saturday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the country faces serious threats from the Iranian regime. She noted that such threats often target Jewish communities and attempt to silence critics abroad, sometimes using proxies and criminal networks. Iran has repeatedly denied these claims.
The charges arrive against a backdrop of increased antisemitism in Britain since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. A year ago a British citizen of Syrian descent carried out a fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue. This week British officials also pointed to Iranian involvement in a separate alleged plot connected to an air base used by American forces. Detectives confirmed there is no link between the Manchester case and that investigation.
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, acknowledged the anxiety the news has caused within the Jewish community and the wider public, especially during the High Holy Days and near the anniversary of last year’s synagogue attack.
