UK Charges Two Iranian Nationals with Plotting Terror Attack on Manchester Jewish Community on Eve of Yom Kippur

British police on October 2, 2026, charged two Iranian nationals with preparing a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, according to the Metropolitan Police and multiple outlets. Rahman Salehi, 34 or 35, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, were arrested on September 20, 2026, on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Police allege the two men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot, according to statements by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. Counterterrorism police said the men allegedly tried to acquire components and equipment to make an improvised explosive device and conducted reconnaissance on potential targets, according to Middle East Eye. The two men were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 3.

The charges come nearly a year after a knife and gun attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in northern Manchester on October 2, 2025, that killed two people. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that both suspects arrested had arrived by small boat several years ago.

Evans said the investigation helped disrupt what is believed to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community. Authorities do not believe there to be an ongoing threat to the public, though details of the alleged plot have not been released.

Sources

Arab News, "Two Iranians charged with planning attack on Manchester Jews," October 2, 2026, arabnews.com; Iran International, "Two Iranians charged over foiled plot targeting Manchester Jews," October 2, 2026, iranintl.com; CNN, "UK charges 2 Iranian men over alleged Yom Kippur terror plot in Manchester," October 2, 2026, cnn.com; Middle East Eye, "Two Iranians charged over suspected plot to target Jews in Manchester," October 3, 2026, middleeasteye.net; Times of Israel liveblog, "UK police charge Iranian men for plotting Yom Kippur terror attack in northern England," October 2, 2026, timesofisrael.com