UK charges two Iranian men over alleged Manchester Jewish plot
British prosecutors charged two Iranian nationals over an alleged terror plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community around Yom Kippur. Jewish households and synagogues face heightened security after the arrests. Police say the men researched targets, gathered bomb materials, and contacted an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
Two Iranian men — Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool — were charged with preparing or assisting terrorism after a joint counter-terrorism police and MI5 investigation, the Guardian, BBC, and Metropolitan Police said. They were arrested Sept. 20 on Newton Street in Manchester hours before Yom Kippur and were due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Oct. 3.
Police allege the men used encrypted apps to obtain bomb components and instructions, including a document on making a chlorine and brake-fluid device, researched targets, acquired maps and images, and carried out reconnaissance. Officers say they were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran. Separately, five men arrested near RAF Fairford over alleged explosives offences were bailed; police say that inquiry is not connected to Manchester, though the prime minister has cited strong indications of Iranian involvement in Fairford events. Iran’s London embassy denied Fairford involvement.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said both accused arrived by small boat years earlier — one with asylum status, one with an application pending — and framed the case within a wider Iranian hostile-activity threat to Jewish communities. The Community Security Trust urged calm vigilance a year after the Heaton Park synagogue attack.
Backstory: UK authorities have warned of Iran-linked plots against dissidents and Jewish targets. Engage: CPS charging sheets and court appearances.
What we know:
Two Iranian nationals charged; alleged IED prep and target research; overseas contact possibly in Iran; Fairford case separate per police; court date Oct. 3.
What we don’t:
Whether Iran’s government directed the alleged plot; verdict; full Fairford outcome; any proven link beyond the overseas contact allegation.
Agree (full): Guardian, BBC, Met Police, and NBC agree two Iranian nationals were charged over an alleged Manchester Jewish-community plot and that police cite a possible Iran-based contact.
Differ (full): UK ministers stress Iranian regime hostility; Tehran denies related Fairford claims and the Manchester case remains allegations before trial.
Where outlets agree Guardian, BBC, and the Metropolitan Police agree two Iranian nationals were charged over an alleged terror plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community around Yom Kippur.
Where they differ UK officials link the case to wider Iranian hostile activity; Iran denies related Fairford involvement and the Manchester charges remain unproven in court.