Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa) feeds over half of the global population, yet falls short of daily nutritional requirements due to low nutrients content, particularly iron (Fe) in polished grains. Enhancing Fe concentration in rice endosperm through biofortification is therefore a critical, sustainable strategy, particularly in resource-limited regions. Wild rice species and specific rice varieties represent valuable genetic resources for enhancing content. Additionally, molecular breeding approaches have successfully identified key genes and loci associated with Fe accumulation in rice grains. This review integrates current knowledge of Fe uptake, transport, and accumulation in rice, from the physiological level to the molecular level. Additionally, major biofortification approaches such as agronomic interventions, conventional breeding, genetic engineering and genome editing strategies have been systematically summarized and compared. Integrating multi-omics, advanced breeding, and genome editing strategies have been proposed as a robust framework for developing Fe-dense varieties, offering a viable solution to hidden hunger and global nutritional insecurity. Which will provide some references and insights for subsequent in-depth research on biofortified breeding for Fe micronutrition.

Key words: biofortification, deoxymugineic acid synthase, mugineic acid, nicotianamine aminotransferase, phytosiderophore, nicotianamine synthase, Fe deficiency, genome editing