The first Russian-language translation of the autobiography of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former supreme leader, is scheduled for release across Russia this month, publisher AST announced Wednesday.
Originally published in Arabic in 2019 and subsequently in Persian, “Cell No. 14: The Autobiography of Ayatollah Khamenei” details the first half of Khamenei’s life, tracing his experiences from childhood through the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The book offers a personal account of the formative years of a figure who would later become one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East.
AST confirmed to RTVI that the translation, undertaken by writer and critic Alexander Andryushkin – known for his function on Iranian literature – will be available nationwide in April, though a specific release date remains unconfirmed. Andryushkin’s previous translations include works by contemporary Iranian authors, according to the Iranian news agency IBNA.
Khamenei served in numerous high-ranking positions following the 1979 revolution and ascended to the position of Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, a role he held until his death on February 28th at the age of 86. His death, attributed to a U.S.-Israeli strike according to multiple reports, prompted an expression of condolences from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who characterized the event as a “cynical assassination.”
Following Khamenei’s death, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed as his successor last month. The transition of power within Iran’s leadership structure has been closely watched internationally, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and Iran’s nuclear program.
The publication of Khamenei’s autobiography in Russia comes amid a period of deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran. Both countries have strengthened their political and economic cooperation in recent years, particularly in the face of Western sanctions. This collaboration includes military cooperation, with reports indicating Iran has supplied Russia with drones for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
The decision to publish the Russian translation of Khamenei’s autobiography could be interpreted as a further signal of this growing alignment. The book provides a window into the ideology and worldview of a key figure in the Iranian regime, potentially offering Russian audiences a deeper understanding of Tehran’s strategic objectives.
The timing of the release also coincides with increased scrutiny of Russia’s media landscape, particularly following the designation of The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office. This move, along with the earlier labeling of the publication as a “foreign agent,” underscores the challenges faced by independent journalism within Russia.
