Home Secretary warns UK is facing ‘serious threats’ from Iran after bomb plot charges

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The UK is facing “a range of serious threats” from Iran, Shabana Mahmood has said after two migrants were charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community.

The Tehran regime “target our Jewish communities and try to silence their critics overseas, often through proxies and criminal networks to hide their involvement”, the Home Secretary said.

Iranians Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, who were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20, have been charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.

It is alleged they were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot, CTP said.

Ms Mahmood revealed the two arrived in the UK separately after crossing the Channel by dinghy several years ago.

They arrived in 2020 and 2023, it is understood, and one was granted asylum, while the other has a live asylum claim.

Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Ms Mahmood said: “These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors.

“Two suspects have been charged with planning a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in Manchester. This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

“I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

“The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security.

“It is no secret that this country faces a range of serious threats from the Iranian regime. They target our Jewish communities and try to silence their critics overseas, often through proxies and criminal networks to hide their involvement.

“The Prime Minister has been clear there are strong indications of Iran’s involvement in the events near RAF Fairford.

“We are responding to these threats with new powers and record funding to disrupt hostile activity. I’m grateful to our police and intelligence agencies for the exceptional work they do every day to keep us safe.”

It is said that Salehi and Ahmadyan, on or before September 20 2026, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism, or assisting another to commit such acts, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.

This includes communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device; acquiring a document entitled “steps for making (a) powder chlorine and car brake oil/fluid bomb”; acquiring video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device; acquiring liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device; using the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack; acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets for attack; and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.

Responding to the revelation that the two arrived by small boat, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “When I told Labour MPs this was happening in the House of Commons, they laughed at me.”

He continued: “We now have a state of national emergency on our borders, and this government is trying to open them to even more unknown individuals.

“We are inviting terror and horror into our communities. It must end now. And if this Home Secretary disagrees, she must resign.”

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