UK facing 'serious threats' from Iran Shabana Mahmood warns after 'terror plot' arrests

UK facing 'serious threats' from Iran Shabana Mahmood warns after 'terror plot' arrests Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Tehran's regime targets 'our Jewish communities' as she warned of 'a range of serious threats' facing the UK The UK is facing "a range of serious threats" from Iran, Shabana Mahmood has said after two men were charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community. Iranian nationals Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested on Sunday, charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot to target the Manchester's Jewish community. It is alleged the pair were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot, CTP said. Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Following the news, Ms Mahmood said it is "no secret" that the UK 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," she said. "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." Ms Mahmood said the news that two suspects had been charged "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." She added: "These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors. "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 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 assembling 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. - Conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.