Startup time regression in v2.1.9 (~5 min vs normal in v2.1.7)

Bug: Startup time regression in v2.1.9

Environment

• OS: Linux (Debian-based)
• Claude Code version with issue: 2.1.9
• Claude Code version working: 2.1.7
• Installation method: VSCode Extension
• Backend: AWS Bedrock (us-east-1)
• MCP Servers: 3 (sequential-thinking, context7, semgrep)
• Plugins: frontend-design, feature-dev

Description

Starting Claude Code v2.1.9 takes approximately 5 minutes to fully initialize.
The same configuration on v2.1.7 starts in the expected time (a few seconds).

No changes were made to the configuration between versions - only the Claude Code version differs.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Code 2.1.9 via VSCode Extension
2. Configure with AWS Bedrock backend (CLAUDE_CODE_USE_BEDROCK=1)
3. Run claude command (or open Claude Code panel in VSCode)
4. Observe ~5 minute startup delay before the CLI becomes responsive

Expected Behavior

Startup should take a few seconds, as it does in v2.1.7

Actual Behavior

Startup takes approximately 5 minutes with no visible indication of what is happening during this time.

Workaround

Downgrade to v2.1.7 (via VSCode Extension version management or manual installation)

Additional Context

• Tested with the same ~/.claude/settings.json configuration
• MCP servers are the same ones that work fine in 2.1.7
• No errors displayed during the slow startup
• Once started, the CLI works normally
• Installation is via VSCode Extension, not npm

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Reported via Claude Code