Brief

Two Iranian nationals appear in London court over alleged Manchester bomb plot

Prosecutors say the men were in contact with an Iranian directing the plot and were remanded pending an Old Bailey hearing.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:54:17 GMT

Two Iranian nationals, Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 4 October 2026, charged with preparing a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, the court was told.

Prosecutor Mark Luckett said the pair carried out hostile surveillance of potential Jewish sites, including Heaton Park synagogue and the Manchester Jewish Museum, on the eve of Yom Kippur. He added that a third individual, believed to be an Iranian operating from Iran, directed the planning and gave instructions on assembling a homemade explosive device.

Both men arrived in the UK via small boats; Salehi was granted asylum in 2020, while Ahmadyan’s asylum claim, filed in 2023, remains pending. They did not enter a plea and were remanded in custody until a hearing at the Old Bailey on 23 October.

The case follows a recent British investigation into a suspected plot against RAF Fairford, which authorities say is unrelated. Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in UK terror investigations.

Earlier coverage of the Manchester plot can be found in Felo's report from 3 October.

Key facts

Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court on 4 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)
They are charged with preparing a homemade bomb attack on Heaton Park synagogue and the Manchester Jewish Museum. (smh.com.au)
Prosecutors say a third Iranian national directed the plot from Iran. (smh.com.au)
Both men were remanded in custody pending an Old Bailey hearing on 23 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)