[BUG] Highest-priority saved instruction ("respond in text before any tool call") repeatedly broken within same session
Open 💬 0 comments Opened Jul 13, 2026 by sabalp
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 have a project-level instruction saved at highest priority (loaded into context every session): "Always respond in text before any tool call — no exceptions."
Despite that, Claude Code broke this rule repeatedly within a single session - including immediately after being called out on it, acknowledging the rule, and explicitly promising to follow it going forward.
What Should Happen?
A rule marked as highest priority and loaded into context should be followed consistently, especially immediately after being explicitly re-confirmed mid-session.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
- Save a project instruction requiring a text response before any tool use.
- Give a clear, actionable coding request (e.g. "apply the same pattern to file X").
- Observe Claude Code calling tools (Read/Grep/Edit) immediately, with no preceding text response.
- Point this out — Claude acknowledges the rule and promises to follow it.
- Give another actionable request shortly after — rule is broken again.
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
No, this never worked
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
2.1.206 (Claude Code)
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
PowerShell
Additional Information
Related issues (same pattern, all closed as not planned/duplicate): #46724, #28868, #33098, #2901, #15443