Global Terror Plot Uncovered: Manchester Jewish Sites Targeted by Iranian Suspects

Two Iranian men, Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, have been charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack Manchester's Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue. The alleged 'homemade bomb' plot was reportedly intended for the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, last month. The pair were arrested in Manchester's Northern Quarter on September 20, as thousands of British Jews prepared for the annual occasion.

Prosecutors allege that Salehi and Ahmadyan carried out 'hostile reconnaissance on Manchester's Jewish community, identifying potential targets such as the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue.' The Crown claims they intended to use a 'homemade explosive device.' Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that Salehi and Ahmadyan were in contact with an overseas third party, believed to be in Iran, in relation to the alleged plot. They are accused of acquiring a document titled 'Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb,' as well as 'video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device,' and the necessary 'liquids, components and equipment.'

Prosecutor Mark Luckett detailed that both defendants are Iranian nationals who arrived in the UK illegally by small boat. Salehi arrived in 2020 and was granted asylum in 2023, with leave to remain until July 2028. Ahmadyan arrived in 2023 and has an outstanding asylum claim. Mr. Luckett stated that they were observed conducting hostile reconnaissance and were in contact with an individual, assessed to be another Iranian national operating from within Iran, who allegedly directed and coordinated the planned attack and provided instructions on assembling the device.

Following their arrests, raids were conducted at Ahmadyan's address on Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Salehi's address on Lancaster Road, Salford. Both men are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans, and maps, and conducting reconnaissance of potential attack locations. Salehi, identified as an Iranian Kurd, and Ahmadyan appeared in court, confirming their details via interpreters. District Judge Nina Tempia denied Salehi's bail application, and Ahmadyan did not submit one, remanding both in custody until their next appearance at the Old Bailey on October 23.

The men were charged by police on October 2, which coincided with the first anniversary of last year's terrorist attack at Manchester's Heaton Park Synagogue, an incident that resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, and injured three others. The charging decision came 12 days after their initial arrest and questioning by specialist anti-terror police in London.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed deep distress for the Jewish communities, particularly in Manchester, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and coinciding with the synagogue attack anniversary. She affirmed the government's unrelenting efforts to protect Jewish communities, root out antisemitism, and maintain border security. Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reiterated concerns for Jewish communities, assuring ongoing robust policing plans and visible officer presence. Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig thanked law enforcement agencies and emphasized that while no ongoing public threat related to this alleged plot is believed, residents should remain vigilant and stand together against hate, especially as Jewish friends celebrated Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, CTP senior national co-ordinator, acknowledged the heightened concern within the Jewish community and wider public, especially given the anniversary of the Heaton Park synagogue attack and increasing antisemitic incidents across the UK. She reassured the public that Counter Terrorism Policing, in conjunction with national security partners, is employing all capabilities to protect the UK from hostile acts, clarifying that this incident and an investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected.