OMM Redaksiyası
British police said on Friday, October 2, that two Iranian nationals had been charged in connection with preparations for a terrorist attack that could have targeted the Jewish community in northern England.
Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, are accused of preparing to carry out a terrorist act in Manchester on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, or of assisting another person to do so.
Investigation details
Counter Terrorism Police said the suspects tried to obtain components and equipment to make an improvised explosive device and conducted reconnaissance on potential targets. Police said they were also in contact with a foreign individual who may be in Iran.
The two men are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said they had arrived in Britain several years ago in a small boat. One of the suspects was granted asylum, while the other’s application is still being considered.
Separate investigation into RAF Fairford base
Mahmood spoke of serious threats facing Britain linked to Iran, including attempts to target Jewish communities and critics abroad. Iran denies such allegations.
The charges come amid growing concern over a separate alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, a military base in Britain associated with the United States. A dual British-Iranian national was arrested on Thursday as part of that investigation. Counter Terrorism Police said the two cases are not connected.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” of possible Iranian involvement in the RAF Fairford case. Tehran has denied involvement.
Previous attack in Manchester
The new charges in Manchester were announced about a year after a deadly attack during Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in the city. British authorities classified the attack, which took place on October 2, 2025, as a terrorist act.
Police said the new allegations had caused concern in Manchester’s Jewish community. The anniversary of last year’s attack coincided with this year’s period of High Holy Days.
