UK police accuse 2 Iranian men of planning terror attack on Jewish community, tell me about this news today
04-10-2026
British counter-terrorism police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have charged two Iranian nationals with preparing acts of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Greater Manchester.
Manchester Evening NewsThe two menidentified as Rahman Salehi (34) of Salford and Salam Ahmadyan (36) of Liverpoolwere arrested on September 20 in central Manchester following an intelligence-led operation by counter-terrorism officers. They appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where they were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey.
Manchester Evening NewsAccording to prosecutors and police disclosures in court:
Alleged Targets and Surveillance: The suspects are accused of carrying out “hostile reconnaissance” on Jewish community sites, specifically including synagogues such as the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.
The GuardianPreparations for an Attack: The charges under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 allege that the men researched potential targets online, downloaded street-level maps and site layouts, and attempted to procure components and instructions to construct an improvised explosive device (IED).
Foreign Direction: Prosecutors noted evidence indicating the men were communicating with an unidentified overseas third party, suspected to be based in Iran, who was providing guidance for the plot.
Authorities confirmed that the operation disrupted the alleged plot before any device could be assembled or deployed, and patrols around Jewish community facilities and places of worship across the UK have been increased as a precaution.