claude --print silently exits with zero output (v2.1.83)

Description

claude --print / claude -p exits with code 0 but produces zero output on stdout and stderr. This makes it impossible to use Claude Code as a subprocess for automation tools.

Reproduction

claude -p 'Say hello' > /tmp/test.txt 2>&1
echo $?  # outputs: 0
cat /tmp/test.txt  # empty

Also tested:

• With/without < /dev/null
• From tmux with all CLAUDE* env vars unset
• From /tmp (no .claude/ directory)
• With --verbose flag
• Using full binary path /Users/username/.local/bin/claude

All produce exit 0 with zero output.

Environment

• Claude Code v2.1.83
• macOS Darwin 25.2.0
• Node.js v22.13.1
• Auth: OAuth (subscription)

Impact

Blocks any tool that uses claude --print as a subprocess (e.g., Agent Control Tower, CI/CD automation, scripting).

Expected

claude --print 'Say hello' should output the model's response to stdout.