diff --git a/.agent/AGENTS.md b/.agent/AGENTS.md
index 93223affc..7ad86412d 100644
--- a/.agent/AGENTS.md
+++ b/.agent/AGENTS.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Exit 0 = proceed. Exit 1 = STOP (on main). Exit 2 = create worktree. Exit 3 = wa
 
 **Full details**: Read `workflows/pre-edit.md` for interactive prompts, worktree creation, and edge cases.
 
-**Self-verification**: Before ANY file operation, confirm you've run this check in this session.
+**Self-verification**: Your FIRST step before any Edit/Write MUST be to run this script. If you are about to edit a file and have not yet run pre-edit-check.sh in this session, STOP and run it now. No exceptions — including TODO.md and planning files (the script handles exception logic, not you).
 
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