The present study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for enhancing the ecological resilience of Kerman city in the face of water crisis, based on the "water-sensitive city" paradigm. This research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) through documentary studies, a questionnaire administered to 196 experts, and interviews with 15 key stakeholders. The findings indicated that the city's ecological resilience is in an unfavorable condition, and the current water management is unable to cope with the dual stresses of drought and flooding. Data analysis led to the design of an integrated, three-dimensional framework: (1) the physical-ecological dimension (prioritizing runoff management and the restoration of the blue-green network), (2) the governance-institutional dimension (emphasizing the establishment of integrated management and supportive regulations), and (3) the socio-cultural dimension (centered on participation and awareness-raising). Hypothesis testing confirmed the significant effect of water-sensitive city components on resilience. The final conclusion indicates that sustainable resilience can only be achieved through the simultaneous interaction of these three dimensions as an adaptive system. This framework can offer a practical pathway for transforming Kerman into a resilient city and serve as a model for other arid cities in Iran.