Trial set for two Iranian men accused of plotting to bomb Manchester synagogue

Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi deny charges of preparing terrorist acts targeting Jewish community

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Two Iranian men accused of plotting to attack the Jewish community in Manchester with a homemade chlorine bomb appeared in court on Friday, with a trial date set for June 2027. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, deny charges of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.

The men appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey, where a trial date was set at Manchester Crown Court for 15 June 2027. The trial is expected to last five weeks.

Ahmadyan, of Liverpool, and Salehi, of Salford, are accused of conducting hostile reconnaissance at Heaton Park Synagogue, which was subject to a fatal attack last year, and the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill. The pair arrived illegally into the UK on boats.

Prosecutors allege the men were in contact with an Iranian national who directed and co-ordinated the planned attack, with the third party most likely operating within Iran. The charges include obtaining instructions to make a chlorine bomb and acquiring liquids, components and equipment to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device. They are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential locations, and conducting reconnaissance.

During last year's attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates and began a knife attack while wearing a fake suicide belt, killing Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53.

Both men deny all charges. The next court hearing is due on 16 April 2027.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The alleged plot highlights ongoing security threats to Jewish communities in the UK, especially after last year's fatal attack at the same synagogue.
The involvement of an Iranian national directing the plot raises concerns about state-sponsored terrorism on British soil.
The case tests UK counter-terrorism capabilities in detecting and disrupting plots that involve individuals who arrived illegally.

Background

The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged plan to target Jewish sites in Manchester using a homemade chlorine bomb. The previous attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in October 2025, which killed two people, has heightened tensions. Both defendants entered the UK irregularly and are now facing terrorism charges they deny.

Key Perspectives

Defendants: Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi deny all charges of preparation for terrorist acts and are fighting the allegations. Prosecution: The Crown alleges the men were directed by an Iranian-based co-ordinator and took active steps including reconnaissance and acquiring bomb-making materials. Security and community observers: The case underscores the persistent threat facing Jewish institutions in the UK, with the previous fatal attack still fresh in public memory.

What to Watch

Next court hearing on 16 April 2026 for further case management.
Trial due to begin 15 June 2027 at Manchester Crown Court, estimated five weeks.
Any additional charges or developments regarding the alleged Iranian director.

Sources

Trial set for men accused of synagogue bomb plot · BBC News

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedThe men were accused of plotting to bomb the Manchester synagogue.BBC News: “Two Iranian men have appeared in court over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester with a homemade bomb. ... are accused of conducting hostile reconnaissance at Heaton Park Synagogue”
Partly supportedThe alleged plot involved a homemade chlorine bomb.BBC News: “an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester with a homemade bomb. ... The men are accused of getting instructions to make a chlorine bomb”
Not in the sourcesThe men appeared in court on Friday.BBC News
SupportedA trial date was set for 15 June 2027 at Manchester Crown Court.BBC News: “They appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey and a trial date was set at Manchester Crown Court for 15 June 2027.”
SupportedThe men are accused of targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.BBC News: “Two Iranian men have appeared in court over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester with a homemade bomb.”
Partly supportedThe men deny charges of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.BBC News: “are charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before 20 September. They deny the charges.”
Partly supportedProsecutors allege the men were in contact with an Iranian national who directed and co-ordinated the planned attack, likely from Iran.BBC News: “It is alleged Ahmadyan and Salehi were in contact with an Iranian national who directed and co-ordinated the planned attack, with the third party most likely operating within Iran.”
SupportedThe men arrived illegally in the UK by boat.BBC News: “The pair, who arrived illegally into the UK on boats, are charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts”
SupportedThe trial is estimated to last five weeks.BBC News: “The trial is estimated to last five weeks.”
SupportedThe next hearing is due on 16 April 2027.BBC News: “The next court hearing is due to take place on 16 April next year.”
SupportedDuring last year’s synagogue attack, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates and began a knife attack while wearing a fake suicide belt, killing Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53.BBC News: “Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue on 2 October last year, and began a knife attack while wearing a fake suicide belt.”

Correction

23 October 2026An earlier version of this story said the next court hearing was due on 16 April 2026. It is due on 16 April 2027.