The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, photographed in 2015. File photo; not alleged to be connected to this case.

Two Iranian Nationals Charged Over Alleged Yom Kippur Terror Plot in Manchester

Two Iranian nationals have been charged with preparing terrorist acts over an alleged bomb plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, counter-terrorism police have confirmed.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday 20 September. They were charged on Friday 2 October with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Both men have been remanded in custody and were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday 3 October.

Key facts

Two Iranian nationals charged on Friday with preparing terrorist acts over an alleged bomb plot in Manchester.
Police allege the pair sought bomb-making components and instructions, reconnoitred targets, and were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
Both men arrived in Britain by small boat, in 2020 and 2023; one has been granted asylum and the other has a live claim, the Home Office said.
The arrests came on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, and near the anniversary of the 2025 Manchester synagogue attack.
Police say the case is not connected to the RAF Fairford investigation, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

What the charges allege

Counter Terrorism Policing said the particulars of the charges allege that, on or before 20 September 2026, Ahmadyan and Salehi engaged in conduct preparing for acts of terrorism. The alleged conduct includes:

Communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device.
Acquiring a document titled "Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb".
Acquiring video material with instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device.
Acquiring liquids, components and equipment to make or assemble an improvised explosive device.
Using the internet to identify and research potential targets.
Acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets.
Carrying out reconnaissance of potential locations.

Crucially, police allege the two men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot. That alleged link, though carefully worded, is what elevates the case from an ordinary counter-terrorism investigation to a national security one.

How the investigation unfolded

The pair were arrested in Newton Street, Manchester, on Sunday 20 September, as Jewish communities were preparing for Yom Kippur, which ran from sundown on 20 September to nightfall on 21 September. They were taken to a London police station.

On Tuesday 22 September officers obtained warrants of further detention for both men, and another warrant was obtained on Saturday 26 September, allowing them to be held until Sunday 4 October. Searches were carried out at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, and have now concluded.

Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, both men were charged on Friday 2 October and remanded in custody ahead of their first court appearance on Saturday 3 October.

The alleged Iran connection

The allegation of contact with someone who may be in Iran is the most politically charged element of the case. Police have been careful to phrase it as an allegation, not a proven fact, and no evidence has been published.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran. While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts."

The week she referred to has been dominated by the RAF Fairford investigation, in which counter-terrorism police are examining a suspected plot near the Gloucestershire airbase. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday there were "strong indications" Iran played a part in that incident, a claim Tehran denies, and on Thursday Iran summoned the British ambassador over the row.

Official reaction

Evans said: "These are extremely serious charges and allegations and have come about from a joint CTP investigation, working closely with our partners in the security services. This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns."

She added that the timing, during the High Holy Day period and on the anniversary of the 2025 Heaton Park synagogue attack, would heighten concern in the Jewish community, and that specialist protective security advice was being given to police forces with Jewish communities in their areas.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors."

She continued: "The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do. It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security."

The Home Office confirmed the men arrived by small boat in 2020 and 2023. One has been granted asylum; the other has an ongoing claim.

Why the timing matters

The arrests on 20 September came on the eve of Yom Kippur and on the calendar anniversary of the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on 2 October 2025, when a car-ramming and stabbing attack outside the synagogue left three people dead, including the attacker, and three seriously injured, according to reports at the time.

Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said the force knew how concerning the news would be to Jewish communities in Greater Manchester and beyond, particularly on the anniversary. "Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security," he said.

What is known and what is not

Known: two men are charged with preparation of terrorist acts; the charge particulars allege bomb-making preparation, target reconnaissance and contact with a possible Iran-based third party; the men are in custody and appearing in court; police say there is no ongoing threat and no connection to the Fairford case; both men came to the UK by small boat and have asylum statuses confirmed by the Home Office.

Not known: whether the alleged overseas contact was ever in Iran, or had any link to the Iranian state; whether the plot had a specific target or date; how far the alleged bomb-making had progressed; how the alleged contact was discovered; and when a trial might begin.

What happens next

The Saturday appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court is a first hearing: the men will be formally identified and the charges put to them, and a judge will consider bail or further remand. Terrorism cases of this seriousness typically move to the Old Bailey for trial, a process that can take many months.

Separately, counter-terrorism police continue two other live cases: the Fairford investigation and the case of Joshua Kerry, the man accused of murdering former minister Ann Widdecombe, who was charged on Friday with preparing terrorist acts including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Evans said there was no connection between the Manchester plot and the Fairford incident.

Conclusion

The charges are the most serious development yet in a week that has brought the threat of hostile state activity on British soil back to the front pages. Two men stand accused of planning a bombing against a community still marking the anniversary of a deadly attack. Police insist the plot has been disrupted and the public are not in danger. The allegation of an Iran link, if it holds up, would give the case international significance. For now it is exactly that: an allegation. Everything that matters, including the court proceedings, comes next.

Sources

Metropolitan Police / Counter Terrorism Policing official statement: "Two men charged with suspected terror plot targeting Jewish Community in Manchester" (2 Oct 2026)
The Times: "Iranian small boat migrants charged with terror plot on Jewish community" (2 Oct 2026)
The Times: "Two Iranian migrants appear in court over Manchester terror plot" (3 Oct 2026)
CNN: "UK charges 2 Iranian men over alleged Yom Kippur terror plot in Manchester" (2 Oct 2026)
PA wire reporting via Leigh Journal: "Two men to appear in court charged with suspected terror plot" (3 Oct 2026)

Search This Blog

The Untold Battles