The UK Crown Prosecution Service announced charges against two Iranian men in connection with an alleged plot to carry out an attack against Jewish communities in northern England. Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, were charged with preparing to commit or assisting in an act of terrorism. Authorities said the alleged plot was connected to activity around Yom Kippur, which occurred on September 20. Both men were arrested in Manchester on that date.
According to counterterrorism police, the two men allegedly attempted to procure components and equipment for creating an improvised explosive device and conducted surveillance of potential targets. Authorities stated the men were in contact with an unidentified third party believed to be located in Iran regarding the plot. The alleged scheme was disrupted by law enforcement. The men are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood indicated that both men had entered the United Kingdom aboard small boats from Europe several years prior. One had been granted asylum status while the other had an active asylum application pending. Mahmood characterized Iran as posing serious threats to the country, noting accusations that the Iranian regime targets Jewish communities and attempts to silence critics abroad through proxy networks and criminal organizations.
The announcement comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom. Senior counterterrorism officials noted the timing coincided with the High Holy Day period and the anniversary of a knife and gun attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester that resulted in two deaths approximately one year earlier. Authorities clarified they found no connection between the current charges and a separate suspected plot involving RAF Fairford, an air base used by the United States. Iran denied involvement in both alleged plots.
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