Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot targeting the Manchester Jewish community ahead of Yom Kippur, according to Counter Terrorism Policing and the Metropolitan Police.
The suspects, identified as Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan, were charged on Friday, October 2, 2026, with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. They were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and are due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 3.
Key Highlights
- Two Iranian nationals have been charged over an alleged Manchester Jewish community terror plot.
- The suspects are Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan.
- Police said both men were arrested in Manchester on September 20.
- The arrests took place ahead of Yom Kippur, a major Jewish holy day.
- Police allege the men were involved in preparations for terrorist acts.
- Authorities said the men had contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
- Both suspects have been remanded in custody.
- They are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 3.
- Counter Terrorism Policing said there is no ongoing threat to the public from the alleged plot.
Two Iranian Nationals Charged Over Manchester Terror Plot
The Metropolitan Police said Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, were charged following an investigation into an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.
The pair were charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Police said the charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following the counter-terrorism investigation.
Suspects Arrested Ahead of Yom Kippur
Salehi and Ahmadyan were arrested in Manchester on September 20, when members of the Jewish community were preparing to observe Yom Kippur.
The timing of the arrests has attracted particular attention because Yom Kippur is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation was carried out in cooperation with security services and other law-enforcement agencies.
Police Allegation Involves Overseas Contact
According to the Metropolitan Police, the two suspects were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may be located in Iran.
Police have not said that the allegations establish involvement by the Iranian government or any Iranian state organisation.
The investigation and criminal proceedings remain ongoing, and the suspects have the right to a fair trial.
Home Secretary Responds to Manchester Case
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the development would be deeply distressing for members of the Jewish community.
Mahmood also said the two suspects had entered the United Kingdom by small boats several years ago.
The Home Secretary linked the case to wider discussions around national security and border controls, while authorities continue investigating the alleged plot.
Suspects Due in Westminster Court
The two men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The court proceedings are expected to provide further details about the allegations and the charges against the defendants.
Until the case is determined by the courts, the allegations against the two men remain allegations.
Police Say No Ongoing Public Threat
Counter Terrorism Policing said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public connected with the alleged plot.
The arrests followed an investigation aimed at disrupting what authorities described as preparations for terrorist activity.
Security agencies continue to work with community representatives as investigations into the case proceed.
Manchester Jewish Community Remains Under Security Focus
The case comes a year after the deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur in October 2025.
Security agencies have continued to pay close attention to potential threats against Jewish communities, particularly during major religious observances.
The latest case is separate from the 2025 synagogue attack, and authorities have not stated that the two incidents are connected.
