British police announced on Friday that, in a separate case from the RAF Fairford airbase incident, two Iranian nationals Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadian, 36 have been charged with preparing acts of terrorism aimed at targeting the Jewish community in Manchester ahead of Yom Kippur.
Kabul 24: According to counter-terrorism officials, the suspects attempted to source components for an improvised explosive device (IED) and used online resources to identify potential targets. Authorities revealed the men possessed instructional material titled “Bomb Making Steps with Chlorine Powder and Brake Fluid” along with video tutorials.
Investigators further allege that the suspects were in contact with a third party outside the UK, potentially located in Iran. Both men, who arrived in the UK via small boats several years ago to claim asylum, remain in custody awaiting an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that threats from the Iranian regime against Jewish communities and dissidents abroad are well known, adding that Tehran frequently operates through proxy networks and criminal groups to conceal its involvement. Mahmood noted that the suspects’ entry via small boats underscores the urgency of British efforts to curb illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, Wiki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Policing, described the charges as exceptionally severe, emphasizing that the operation successfully disrupted what authorities believe was an imminent plot. Evans clarified that this investigation is distinct from the RAF Fairford case.
These developments emerge alongside statements from British leadership referencing strong indications of Iranian involvement in the separate Fairford airbase matter. For its part, Iran has consistently dismissed all such accusations, maintaining that these allegations constitute unfounded anti-Iranian propaganda.
