U.K. Police Charge Two Iranian Nationals with Plotting Terror Attack on Manchester’s Jewish Community
U.K. police charge two Iranian men with terror plot against Manchester's Jewish community. Investigation follows recent attacks near RAF base.
POLICY WIRE — Manchester, United Kingdom — British authorities have charged two Iranian men with planning a terror attack on the Jewish community in Manchester, according to a statement from U.K. Metropolitan Police.
The arrests occurred nearly one year after a deadly knife and gun attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in northern Manchester, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Two individuals were killed during that incident on October 2, 2025.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, both Iranian nationals, were taken into custody in Manchester on September 20. According to the Met, they are alleged to have communicated with an overseas third party potentially linked to Iran. While specific details of the plot remain undisclosed, police confirmed its disruption, stating there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans emphasized that the case would be deeply troubling for Jewish communities, especially following recent religious observances. Home Minister Shabana Mahmood noted that both suspects had arrived in the UK via small boat years ago, highlighting the government’s focus on addressing illegal migration.
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The past year has seen multiple attacks targeting Jewish or Israel-linked locations in the UK. The two accused are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
These developments come amid a series of recent counterterrorism actions, including the arrest of five British men in late September on suspicion of planning a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, a site used by U.S. bombers in the Middle East conflict. The men were later released on bail.
On Thursday, a dual U.K.-Iranian national was arrested on suspicion of plotting an attack at RAF Fairford, though it remains unclear if this individual is connected to earlier incidents. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the UK government believes Iran played a role in the September 27 event, although Iranian officials have denied any involvement.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
