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Homemade bombs were part of alleged plot on Manchester's Jewish community, court told

Two Iranian men face charges of preparing acts of terrorism; court hears details of explosives involved

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time1 min
Sources8 outlets
A British court has been told that homemade bombs formed part of an alleged terror plot targeting Manchester's Jewish community, as two Iranian men appeared in court charged with terrorism offences.

Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, have been charged with preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. The pair were arrested on 20 September in Manchester's Northern Quarter, on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

In court proceedings on 3 October, prosecutors outlined that the alleged plot involved homemade bombs, according to reports from the BBC. The two Iranian nationals were initially charged on 2 October and have now appeared before a judge.

The charges relate to an alleged plot targeting members of the Jewish community in Manchester. Police have not released further details about the specific targets or the nature of the explosives. The men remain in custody pending further hearings.

The case has drawn attention to the heightened security concerns facing Jewish communities in the UK, particularly around religious holidays. The arrests and subsequent charges have been handled by counter-terrorism police.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The alleged plot targeted a religious community on its holiest day, raising serious concerns about community safety and the threat of terrorism.
  • The involvement of Iranian nationals adds a diplomatic dimension to the case, potentially affecting UK-Iran relations.
  • The court's disclosure that homemade bombs were involved indicates the alleged plot was at an advanced stage, heightening the severity of the threat.

Background

Two Iranian men were arrested in Manchester on 20 September 2026 on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. They were charged two days later with preparing acts of terrorism. The timing of the arrests, on the eve of Yom Kippur, suggests the plot was intended to coincide with the Jewish high holy day. Counter-terrorism policing in the UK has been under increased pressure amid rising antisemitic incidents.

Key Perspectives

[The Jewish community in Manchester]: The community faces renewed concern about its safety, particularly around major religious observances. Police have increased patrols and engagement. [UK counter-terrorism authorities]: They have demonstrated the ability to detect and disrupt alleged plots before they are carried out, maintaining public safety. [Critics/Skeptics]: Questions may arise about how the suspected plotters obtained materials for homemade bombs and whether further individuals are involved. The case could also fuel debate about foreign interference in the UK.

What to Watch

  • The outcome of the court proceedings and whether the men are formally charged with additional offences.
  • Any diplomatic response from Iran or statements from the UK government about the alleged plot.
  • Further details emerging about the nature of the homemade bombs and the intended targets.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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