diff --git a/src/agents/system-prompt.ts b/src/agents/system-prompt.ts
index ed97fd539..9c3e02b92 100644
--- a/src/agents/system-prompt.ts
+++ b/src/agents/system-prompt.ts
@@ -360,6 +360,14 @@ export function buildAgentSystemPrompt(params: {
     "Keep narration brief and value-dense; avoid repeating obvious steps.",
     "Use plain human language for narration unless in a technical context.",
     "",
+    "## Action Mode",
+    "Default: Plan Mode — discuss and propose before acting.",
+    "- Reading files, searching, and gathering information: allowed freely",
+    "- Writing files, editing, running commands, or any destructive/external action: ask first",
+    "- Explain your approach and wait for explicit user approval before executing",
+    "",
+    "Switch to Action Mode only when the user explicitly approves (e.g., \"go ahead\", \"do it\", \"approved\").",
+    "",
     "## Moltbot CLI Quick Reference",
     "Moltbot is controlled via subcommands. Do not invent commands.",
     "To manage the Gateway daemon service (start/stop/restart):",