Two Iranian nationals have been charged in the UK over an alleged terrorism plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, with prosecutors alleging that the men carried out preparations that included researching potential targets and obtaining materials and information linked to the possible construction of an improvised explosive device.
The charges were brought on Friday, October 2, following an investigation by UK counter-terrorism authorities. The case has drawn particular attention because the arrests took place shortly before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and coincided with the first anniversary of the deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester.
The two defendants, Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on September 20. They have both been charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 with engaging in conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to commit an act of terrorism or assist another person to commit such an act.
It is important to stress that the charges are allegations, not findings of guilt. The Crown Prosecution Service has specifically said that bringing charges does not amount to a finding that the defendants committed the alleged conduct. That determination will ultimately be for the courts.
What Police Allege About the Manchester Plot
According to the details released by counter-terrorism authorities, investigators allege that the two men took several steps connected with preparations for a potential terrorist act.
The allegations include communication through encrypted applications to obtain components that could be used to assemble a homemade explosive device. Investigators also allege that material containing instructions for making an explosive device was obtained, along with liquids, components and equipment that could potentially be used in assembling such a device.
Police further allege that the men used the internet to identify and research possible targets. The investigation also involves claims that images, plans and maps of potential targets were obtained and that reconnaissance was carried out at possible locations.
Authorities have not publicly established that an explosive device was successfully built or that an attack was carried out. The case currently concerns alleged preparation and conduct connected to a potential terrorist act.
Alleged Contact With a Person Overseas
Another part of the investigation concerns an alleged overseas connection.
Counter-terrorism police say the two men were allegedly in contact with a third party who may be located in Iran. The exact identity and role of that person have not been established publicly.
The allegation is significant because British authorities are separately investigating other suspected Iran-linked security incidents, but police have made clear that the Manchester investigation and a separate investigation involving RAF Fairford are not connected.
That distinction is important. While both cases have involved Iranian nationals or suspected Iranian links, investigators have not said that the two investigations form part of one operation.
Arrests Came Before Yom Kippur
The timing of the arrests has added to concerns within Manchester’s Jewish community.
Ahmadyan and Salehi were arrested in Manchester on September 20, shortly before the beginning of Yom Kippur. The Jewish holy day began at sundown on September 20 and ended after nightfall on September 21.
Yom Kippur is one of the most important dates in the Jewish religious calendar, when large numbers of Jewish people traditionally attend synagogues and community gatherings.
Police have said the alleged plot was targeting the Jewish community in the Manchester area. They have also acknowledged that the timing of the investigation, during the High Holy Days, has increased concern among Jewish communities.
Counter-terrorism officials have nevertheless said that they do not believe there is an ongoing public threat connected with this particular investigation.
One Year After the Heaton Park Synagogue Attack
The new charges came almost exactly one year after the deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester.
The attack took place on October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur. Two worshippers, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed, while three other people suffered serious injuries.
Counter-terrorism authorities marked the first anniversary of the attack on October 2, 2026, with a statement remembering the victims and those affected by the incident.
The timing means that the latest terrorism case has emerged while Manchester’s Jewish community is already marking the anniversary of a previous attack. Police have therefore increased their focus on protective security around Jewish communities and say visible policing will continue.
Greater Manchester Police has said local officers are working with community leaders and security organisations to maintain security arrangements and engagement with Jewish communities.
Both Defendants Arrived in the UK by Small Boat
The case has also become part of a wider UK debate about national security and irregular migration.
The UK government has confirmed that both defendants arrived in Britain by small boat several years ago. Available reports indicate that one arrived in 2020 and the other in 2023. One had subsequently been granted asylum, while the other had an asylum claim that remained active.
However, the circumstances of their migration status are separate from the criminal allegations they now face. The terrorism charges concern alleged preparation for terrorist acts, and any questions about asylum or immigration status are separate legal and administrative matters.
The government has pointed to the case while discussing border security and threats from hostile states. Those political arguments remain separate from the criminal proceedings against the two defendants.
For the purposes of the court case, the key issue will be whether prosecutors can establish the alleged conduct to the required legal standard.
Police Say There Is No Ongoing Public Threat
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, counter-terrorism officials have said that they do not currently believe there is an ongoing threat to the public connected to this investigation.
The authorities have described the operation as a disruption of an alleged plot and said that investigations are continuing.
Searches were carried out at addresses in Liverpool and Salford as part of the investigation. Police said those searches have been completed.
The defendants were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and were subsequently taken to a police station in London. Further detention warrants were obtained during the investigation while officers continued gathering evidence.
Police have also urged members of the public to remain alert and report anything they believe could be relevant to counter-terrorism investigations.
The Wider Security Picture in Britain
The Manchester case comes during a period of increased attention on suspected threats linked to Iran in Britain.
A separate counter-terrorism investigation is under way following an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. A UK-Iranian dual national was arrested in connection with that investigation, following earlier arrests of five men in the area.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that the RAF Fairford investigation and the Manchester Jewish-community case are not connected. The two investigations should therefore not be treated as evidence of a single coordinated operation unless investigators establish such a link.
The wider security concerns have nevertheless increased scrutiny of possible foreign-state activity, proxy networks and threats against communities in Britain.
For the Manchester case itself, investigators have so far publicly described only an alleged connection involving an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
Court Proceedings Begin on October 3
As of October 3, 2026, Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Both men have been remanded in custody pending their court appearance. The proceedings will provide the next formal stage in the case and may establish further details about the allegations and the legal process.
The Crown Prosecution Service has also warned against reporting or sharing material that could prejudice the proceedings.
That caution is particularly relevant in a case involving terrorism allegations, where unverified claims can have serious consequences for both public understanding and the fairness of the legal process.
What Happens Next?
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors will need to present their case through the criminal justice system.
At this stage, the publicly confirmed position is that two Iranian nationals have been charged with preparing for terrorist acts, police allege that they researched potential targets and obtained materials connected with an improvised explosive device, and investigators allege that they were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
There has been no finding of guilt against either defendant.
For Manchester’s Jewish community, the case has emerged at a particularly sensitive moment, coming during the High Holy Days and on the first anniversary of the Heaton Park synagogue attack. Authorities say protective security measures remain in place and that there is no ongoing public threat connected to the alleged plot.
The court process will now determine how the allegations develop and what evidence can ultimately be presented against the two defendants.
According to aljazeera