Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Britain with preparing an alleged terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, police said, as authorities confront heightened concerns over suspected Iran-linked activity in the country.
Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan were charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts under Britain’s Terrorism Act 2006. Police said the alleged plot involved potential targets within Manchester’s Jewish community.
Investigators allege the men attempted to obtain components and equipment that could be used to construct an improvised explosive device and carried out reconnaissance of possible targets.
Counter-terrorism police also said the suspects were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may have been in Iran in connection with the plot.
The case comes during a particularly sensitive period for Britain’s Jewish community, around the Jewish High Holy Days and close to the anniversary of the deadly attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Britain faced serious threats linked to the Iranian government, accusing Tehran of targeting Jewish communities and critics overseas through proxies and criminal networks.
Iran has repeatedly denied British accusations that it has orchestrated hostile operations in the country.
The two suspects had arrived in Britain by small boat from continental Europe several years ago, according to Mahmood. One had subsequently been granted asylum while the other’s asylum application remained pending.
Both men were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 3.
The charges come amid a wider British security focus on suspected Iranian activity.
Earlier this week, British authorities said they were investigating a separate alleged plot involving RAF Fairford, the air base used by US forces. A dual British-Iranian national was arrested in connection with that investigation.
Police stressed that the Manchester case and the RAF Fairford investigation were not connected.
British authorities have also stepped up security around Jewish communities amid rising concern over antisemitic incidents and potential attacks. The Metropolitan Police said on Friday that fears among Jewish communities were particularly heightened ahead of several demonstrations and events planned in London.
The government has previously provided additional funding for specialist counter-terrorism patrols, with London and Manchester among the areas targeted for increased deployments around vulnerable communities.
