British police and prosecutors have charged two Iranian nationals with preparing to commit a terrorist act or assisting another person to carry out such an act, targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadian, 36, face charges related to a plot that allegedly involved communication with a third party abroad, possibly in Iran. The charges were brought after an investigation by counter-terrorism police.
The two men were arrested in Manchester's Northern Quarter on September 20, 2026, when thousands of British Jews were attending synagogues. They are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. According to investigators, the plot was allegedly linked to a third party outside the UK, potentially based in Iran. The charges are considered serious, with the National Counter-Terrorism Police Coordinator, Vicky Evans, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.
The arrests and charges are part of a larger investigation into potential terrorist threats against the Jewish community in Manchester. Last week, police announced the detention of two men suspected of planning a terrorist attack, which was reportedly foiled. The investigation has resulted in several arrests, highlighting the authorities' efforts to prevent potential threats.
The charges against the two Iranian nationals coincide with statements from British Defence Secretary, Wess Streeting, who suggested that Iran might be responsible for a failed attempt to target RAF Fairford airbase, used by the United States. This comes after a British-Iranian man, 27, was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing to carry out terrorist acts, bringing the total number of arrests related to the incident to six.
The Iranian Embassy in London has denied any involvement in the arrests, dismissing what it described as "baseless speculation" attempting to implicate Iran in the case. The embassy's statement emphasizes Tehran's denial of any connection to the suspects or their alleged plans.
The investigation and charges highlight the ongoing concerns about potential terrorist threats in the UK, particularly those targeting minority communities. The authorities' efforts to prevent such threats and protect the public have resulted in several high-profile arrests and foiled plots in recent times.
The cases against Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadian will continue to unfold as they appear in court. The authorities' vigilance and proactive measures aim to ensure public safety and prevent potential harm to communities across the UK.
Key points
- Two Iranian nationals charged with planning a terrorist attack on Manchester's Jewish community.
- Investigation reveals possible link to a third party abroad, potentially in Iran.
- Arrests part of a larger effort to prevent terrorist threats in the UK.
