Contemporary cities, as complex human-spatial systems, are increasingly confronting the phenomenon of "urban fragility," which arises from the interaction of physical, social, economic, institutional, and environmental factors. In this context, the concept of "urban resilience" as a novel approach emphasizes the ability of an urban system to resist, adapt to, and recover its functions. Despite this, domestic studies have rarely addressed the mediating role of resilience in reducing fragility. The present study aims to explain the mediating role of urban resilience in the relationship between four dimensions —economic, social, physical-infrastructural, and governance managerial — and urban fragility in the city of Zanjan. This research employed a structural equation modeling (PLS) approach. The findings revealed that all four dimensions simultaneously and significantly affect urban fragility; however, a considerable portion of this effect is transmitted through the mediating variable of resilience. The governance-managerial dimension, with a total effect of 0.720, was the strongest predictor of fragility, with more than half of its effect (approximately 53%) being indirect through the enhancement of resilience. Furthermore, the strong and significant path coefficient between resilience and fragility (0.713; t = 35.65) indicates the key role of resilience in moderating fragility. Mediation is "partial" in all relationships, but its intensity in the governance dimension is substantially greater than in other dimensions. In conclusion, urban resilience is not merely an auxiliary variable but a strategic and essential mechanism for reducing urban fragility. Urban policy-making in Zanjan must prioritize strengthening resilience capacities, particularly in the governance domain, to reduce vulnerability and achieve sustainable development.