British authorities have charged two Iranian nationals with terrorism offences over an alleged plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community, amid heightened scrutiny of suspected Iranian activity in the UK.
Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, were charged with preparing to commit, or assisting another person to commit, an act of terrorism in Manchester on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police allege bomb-making preparations
Counterterrorism police said the two men had allegedly attempted to obtain components and equipment that could be used to make an improvised explosive device.
Investigators also alleged that the suspects conducted reconnaissance of potential targets and had been in contact with an overseas third party who may be based in Iran.
The men were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Saturday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspects had arrived in Britain several years ago on a small boat from Europe. The interior ministry said one of the men had previously been granted asylum, while the other had an active asylum claim.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
UK warns of Iranian-linked threats
Mahmood said Britain faced a range of threats from Iran, alleging that the country targets Jewish communities and critics overseas through proxies and criminal networks.
Iran has repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in such activities.
The charges come amid increased concern over antisemitism in Britain following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. British authorities have reported a rise in antisemitic incidents, including attacks targeting Jewish sites.
UK Lowers Flags Nationwide After Terrorist Attack on Manchester Synagogue
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the alleged plot had caused concern within the Jewish community because it emerged during the High Holy Days.
She also noted that the case came around the anniversary of last year’s fatal attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.
No link to RAF Fairford investigation
Detectives said there was no connection between the Manchester case and a separate investigation involving RAF Fairford, a military airbase in Gloucestershire that has been linked to US military operations.
A dual UK-Iranian national was arrested on Thursday in connection with that investigation.
British authorities said earlier in the week that they were examining an alleged Iranian plot involving the airbase. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement.
Iran has denied any role in the alleged Fairford plot, saying speculation about its involvement could fuel what it described as “Iranophobia propaganda.”
The latest charges add to growing scrutiny of alleged Iranian activity in Britain as counterterrorism authorities investigate suspected attempts to target communities and strategic sites.
