Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan face terror charges for allegedly planning an attack on Jewish targets in Manchester.

Two Iranian nationals, 34-year-old Rahman Salehi and 36-year-old Salam Ahmadyan, have been charged with terror offenses in a British court. The men are accused of preparing to commit or assisting in an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.

Details of the Alleged Plot

Authorities stated the men were arrested last month, shortly before the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. According to police, the suspects had obtained instructions and materials for bomb-making, identified specific targets, and conducted reconnaissance. Investigators believe a third individual, likely located in Iran, was in contact with the pair regarding the plot. The arrests were the result of a joint operation between counter-terrorism police and MI5.

Background of the Suspects

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that both men entered the United Kingdom via small boats, arriving in 2020 and 2023. One of the men had been granted asylum, while the other had an active asylum application pending at the time of the charges.

Broader Security Context

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for counter-terrorism Vicki Evans noted that recent events have highlighted threats projected into the U.K. from Iran. She clarified that this case is not connected to a separate incident involving suspicious activity near the RAF Fairford airbase, which Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously noted had strong indications of Iranian involvement.