[BUG] Unable to type `#` (Option + 3) into claude-cli because meta is being swallowed

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

I'm on a British keyboard. # is option+3. (shift+3 is £). This is the standard British mac keyboard layout as it has existed for 30+ years.

I have to copy-paste the # character if i want it to appear in claude.

What Should Happen?

Meta key use should do the expected things, and only be swallowed for specific purposes.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. switch to british keyboard layout
2. press option+3 and see that no character appears in the cli.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.89

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_