Iranian Men Charged Over Manchester Synagogue Bomb Plot

Prosecutor Mark Luckett told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that 36-year-old Salam Ahmadyan and 34-year-old Rahman Salehi conducted “hostile reconnaissance” of the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue and the nearby Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill. The pair are accused of receiving instructions from a third individual believed to be operating from Iran to assemble a homemade chlorine bomb, acquiring liquids, components and equipment for the device, and using the internet to gather maps and images of the targets. Both men entered the United Kingdom on small boats; Salehi was granted asylum in 2023 with leave to remain until July 2028, while Ahmadyan has a pending asylum claim. They were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and charged with preparing acts of terrorism. Judge Nina Tempia remanded them in custody pending a hearing at the Old Bailey on October 23.

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

The targeted synagogue was the site of a deadly attack on October 2, 2025, when 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British-Syrian citizen, rammed his car into the gates during Yom Kippur services, then stabbed a congregant before being shot dead by police. Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53) were killed, and three others were seriously wounded. The 2025 attack heightened security concerns for the Jewish community in Manchester, especially around the High Holy Days.

Times of Israel

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said officials do not believe there is an ongoing public threat linked to the plot and emphasized the heightened concern within the Jewish community given the timing near Yom Kippur. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that the Iranian regime poses a range of serious threats to the United Kingdom, noting that such plots aim to target Jewish communities and silence critics abroad.

Times of Israel

• “I’m aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy Day period has caused a great deal of concern,” — Vicki Evans, deputy assistant commissioner

Associated Press

• “It is no secret that this country faces a range of serious threats from the Iranian regime,” — Shabana Mahmood, UK home minister

Times of Israel

The defendants will appear before the Central Criminal Court on October 23 for further proceedings. Counter Terrorism Policing has indicated that investigations continue, but no additional arrests related to this plot have been announced.

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)