British authorities have charged two Iranian nationals with allegedly planning a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, northern England.
The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, were charged with preparing to commit or assisting another person to commit an act of terrorism in Manchester on or before Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
According to counterterrorism police, the two men, who were arrested in Manchester on September 20, allegedly attempted to obtain components and equipment that could be used to make an improvised explosive device. They are also accused of conducting reconnaissance of potential targets.
Police said the alleged plot had been disrupted, although details of the intended attack have not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities also said the suspects were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may be based in Iran.
Salehi and Ahmadyan are expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London. The Home Office said both men entered the UK several years ago on small boats from Europe; one had been granted asylum while the other had an active asylum application.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Britain faces serious threats linked to the Iranian government, while Iran has previously denied similar allegations.
The charges come one year after a deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, where two members of the congregation were killed during an attack on October 2, 2025.
Counterterrorism police said the latest case is not connected to a separate investigation involving an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, over which a British-Iranian national was arrested on Thursday.
Iran has also denied involvement in that case.
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