Two Iranians charged with planning attack on Manchester Jews

Two Iranian men, Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, have been charged with plotting a terror attack on the Jewish community in Manchester, UK police reported on Friday. The arrests occurred a year after a deadly knife and gun attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in northern Manchester during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which resulted in two fatalities on October 2, 2025.

Both suspects were apprehended in Manchester on September 20, according to the police statement. It is alleged that the men were in contact with an overseas third-party, potentially located in Iran, concerning the alleged plot. The details of the alleged plot have not been disclosed, but police have confirmed its disruption. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated that they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter.

Home Minister Shabana Mahmood emphasized the need to address illegal migration, noting that both suspects arrived in the country by small boat several years ago. The UK has recently experienced a surge in attacks targeting Jewish or Israel-linked locations, with the last incident occurring one year ago at Heaton Park Synagogue. The two men are scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday.