Rapid urbanization, limited water and soil resources, and the increasing need for food security have highlighted the need to review the conventional patterns of food production in urban environments, especially in semi-arid regions such as Iran. Smart urban agriculture, as part of the smart city system, has significant potential to improve productivity, reduce resource consumption, and increase food resilience of cities by utilizing technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and automated systems. The present study aims to identify the drivers, inhibitors, and requirements for the development of smart urban agriculture in Iran, using a qualitative method and a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through document analysis and a review of scientific literature and global studies, and were examined using thematic classification and conceptual analysis. The results show that while smart technologies can be significantly effective in optimizing water consumption, improving production quality, reducing costs, and strengthening the urban economy, barriers such as high investment costs, lack of specialized skills, weak data-driven infrastructure, and institutional incoherence are among the most important obstacles to the expansion of this approach. Based on the findings, developing supportive policies, strengthening technological infrastructure, and promoting cooperation between government, academia, and industry are key prerequisites for the establishment of smart urban agriculture in Iran. This study can provide a basis for planning and policymaking to improve food security and urban resilience.