feat(mcp): expose sanctioned Codex MCP reconnect request (Closes #678)

Add gitea_request_mcp_reconnect as a report-only callable surface so Codex
and other agent hosts can request host/IDE reconnect with typed blockers
and exact UI steps. Never kills processes or edits config.

Co-Authored-By: Grok 4.5 <[email protected]>

docs/mcp-namespace-eof-recovery.md

@@ -47,18 +47,33 @@ Do the steps in order. Stop as soon as a live **client-namespace** call succeeds
    - Only the Gitea namespace fails → single-namespace transport close. Continue.
    - Every server fails → restart the whole MCP client, not just one namespace.
 
-2. **Reconnect the namespace through the client, not the shell.** Use the IDE /
+2. **Request the sanctioned reconnect surface (#678), then reconnect through
-   client MCP-reconnect action for that server entry (in Claude Code:
+   the client — not the shell.** From a still-reachable Gitea MCP namespace
-   `/mcp` → reconnect the affected `gitea-*` server). Reconnecting forces the
+   (or after host auto-reconnect), call:
-   client to spawn a fresh subprocess and re-open the pipe. This clears the
+
-   closed-client state that a bare `kill`/respawn from a terminal does **not**.
+   ```text
+   gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(
+       namespace="gitea-author",   # or gitea-reviewer / gitea-merger / …
+       reason="transport_eof",
+       client="codex",            # or claude_code / generic
+   )
+   ```
+
+   The tool is **report-only**: it never restarts a process. It returns
+   namespace, profile, pid/session, startup SHA, current master SHA, boundary
+   status, and a **typed blocker** with exact operator UI steps for Codex
+   (Reload Developer Tools / per-server reconnect) or Claude Code (`/mcp`).
+   Then perform the host reconnect those steps describe so the client spawns a
+   fresh subprocess and re-opens the pipe. That clears the closed-client state
+   that a bare `kill`/respawn from a terminal does **not**.
 
 3. **Do not "fix" it by importing the server or poking the process.** Reaching
    for `python -c 'import gitea_mcp_server ...'`, raw JSON-RPC from a shell,
    killing PIDs to force a respawn, or touching MCP config mtimes does **not**
    restore the *client's* view of the namespace and violates the daemon-import
    guard (#558, `docs/mcp-daemon-import-guard.md`). The only sanctioned repair
-   is a **client reconnect / relaunch**.
+   is a **client reconnect / relaunch** (or the typed operator path returned by
+   `gitea_request_mcp_reconnect`).
 
 4. **Verify through the same path the workflow will use.** After reconnect, call
    the specific tool the blocked workflow needs — not just any tool — through

docs/mcp-restart-path-inventory.md

@@ -45,10 +45,11 @@ and *fails closed*.
 | `legacy_auto_restart_helper` | removed | A helper (`_trigger_mcp_auto_restart`) that actively restarted the server from the read-only resolver path. | Removed in #685; kept absent by `assert_auto_restart_helper_absent()`. | #685, #657 |
 | `config_touch_reload` | removed | Touching (utime) the MCP client config to make the host reload the server. | Removed from the resolver in #685: stale detection is report-only, never mutating config, spawning threads, or calling `os._exit`. | #685, #657 |
 | `master_advance_auto_restart` | guarded_fail_closed | On-disk master advancing past the running code. | `master_parity_gate` captures startup parity and blocks mutations while stale, emitting restart guidance; the process never self-restarts. | #420, #591, #657 |
-| `stale_runtime_resolver_reconnect` | guarded_fail_closed | The capability resolver detecting a stale serving process. | Report-only (#685): returns `restart_required`/`stop_required` and an exact reconnect action; no restart, thread, config touch, or `os._exit`. | #685, #657 |
+| `stale_runtime_resolver_reconnect` | guarded_fail_closed | The capability resolver detecting a stale serving process. | Report-only (#685): returns `restart_required`/`stop_required` and an exact reconnect action; no restart, thread, config touch, or `os._exit`. | #685, #657, #678 |
+| `codex_client_reconnect_request` | guarded_fail_closed | `gitea_request_mcp_reconnect` report-only tool for Codex/LLM sessions. | Report-only (#678): returns namespace/profile/pid/startup SHA/master SHA/boundary status and a typed operator blocker with exact client UI steps; never restarts or kills. | #678, #630, #685, #657 |
 | `manual_daemon_kill` | forbidden | Shell kills of the daemon: `pkill -f mcp_server.py`, `killall`, broad `pkill -f python` sweeps, or `kill <pid>` of a daemon pid. | Forbidden (#630): `runtime_recovery_guard` classifies these as contamination and `gitea_record_daemon_process_kill_attempt` writes a durable marker that fails later mutations closed. Operator maintenance authorization is read only from the environment. | #630, #657 |
 | `conflict_marker_infra_stop` | guarded_fail_closed | The daemon entrypoint scans for unresolved merge-conflict markers at startup and stops (`sys.exit(1)`). | Fail-closed startup stop, not a restart: the process exits and waits for the operator to resolve conflicts and relaunch; never loops. | #657 |
-| `ide_client_reconnect` | host_residual | A manual `/mcp reconnect` (or equivalent host action) that recreates the MCP client connection. | Outside this process's control; the sanctioned recovery the gates point operators toward. No in-process code initiates it. | #584, #656, #657 |
+| `ide_client_reconnect` | host_residual | A manual `/mcp reconnect` (or equivalent host action) that recreates the MCP client connection. Agents obtain exact UI steps via `gitea_request_mcp_reconnect` (#678). | Outside this process's control; the sanctioned recovery the gates point operators toward. No in-process code initiates it. | #584, #656, #657, #678 |
 | `profile_switch_runtime` | sanctioned_narrow_recovery | Switching the active execution profile at runtime (dynamic-profile mode). | In-process and restart-free: `runtime_switching_supported` is true, so a switch rebinds capability without recreating the process. | #656, #657 |
 
 ## Guards enforced in CI

docs/mcp-tool-inventory.md

@@ -137,6 +137,7 @@ that gates each call, not which tools exist.
 - `gitea_release_merger_pr_lease`
 - `gitea_release_reviewer_pr_lease`
 - `gitea_release_workflow_lease`
+- `gitea_request_mcp_reconnect`
 - `gitea_request_mcp_restart`
 - `gitea_resolve_task_capability`
 - `gitea_resume_review_draft`

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -2092,6 +2092,7 @@ import root_checkout_guard  # noqa: E402
 import workflow_scope_guard  # noqa: E402  # #683 production scope / force-on guards
 import stable_branch_push_guard  # noqa: E402
 import runtime_recovery_guard  # noqa: E402  # #630 manual daemon-kill contamination
+import mcp_client_reconnect  # noqa: E402  # #678 sanctioned Codex reconnect request
 import remote_repo_guard  # noqa: E402
 import anti_stomp_preflight  # noqa: E402
 import issue_claim_heartbeat  # noqa: E402
@@ -14024,11 +14025,16 @@ def _classify_operation_gate_reasons(reasons: list[str]) -> dict:
 
 
 def _stale_runtime_reconnect_action() -> str:
-    """Sanctioned recovery for a stale daemon — reconnect only (#685/#897)."""
+    """Sanctioned recovery for a stale daemon — reconnect only (#685/#897/#678)."""
     return (
-        "Reconnect the IDE/client MCP session so the server reloads at the "
+        "blocker_kind=runtime_reconnect_required: call "
-        "current master head. Do not call gitea_activate_profile or switch "
+        "gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(namespace=<active gitea-* namespace>, "
-        "MCP role sessions — profile switching does not clear a stale daemon."
+        "reason='stale-runtime', client='codex') for a typed operator "
+        "reconnect blocker with exact UI steps, then reconnect the IDE/client "
+        "MCP session so the server reloads at the current master head. Do not "
+        "call gitea_activate_profile, pkill, touch configs, or switch MCP role "
+        "sessions — profile switching does not clear a stale daemon. After "
+        "reconnect restart from gitea_whoami → gitea_resolve_task_capability."
     )
 
 
@@ -20998,10 +21004,15 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
     # serving process/profile inventory is stale — even if permission is OK.
     if runtime_stale_blocker:
         next_safe_action = (
-            "blocker_kind=runtime_reconnect_required: reconnect/restart the "
+            "blocker_kind=runtime_reconnect_required: call "
-            "IDE-managed Gitea MCP server for this profile so it reloads current "
+            "gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(namespace=<active gitea-* namespace>, "
-            "master. Do not edit mcp_config.json by hand; the resolver does not "
+            "reason='stale-runtime', client='codex') for a typed operator "
-            "touch config, spawn recovery threads, or terminate the process."
+            "blocker with exact UI steps, then reconnect/reload the IDE-managed "
+            "Gitea MCP server for this profile so it reloads current master. "
+            "Do not edit mcp_config.json by hand, pkill, or touch configs; the "
+            "resolver does not touch config, spawn recovery threads, or "
+            "terminate the process. After reconnect restart from gitea_whoami → "
+            "gitea_resolve_task_capability."
         )
 
     # Task/role alignment guards (#167): the requested task, not the
@@ -22559,6 +22570,129 @@ def gitea_workflow_dashboard(
     return payload
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(
+    namespace: str | None = None,
+    reason: str | None = None,
+    client: str = "codex",
+    remote: str = "dadeschools",
+    host: str | None = None,
+    session_id: str | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Request a sanctioned host/IDE MCP reconnect for a named namespace (#678).
+
+    Codex and other agent hosts can detect stale or closed Gitea MCP runtimes
+    (``stop_required`` / ``restart_required`` from capability resolution, transport
+    EOF, missing namespace attachment). The **host owns the transport** — this
+    process cannot reopen the client's stdio pipe. This tool is the callable
+    surface agents use to:
+
+    1. Report reconnect status fields (namespace, profile, pid/session,
+       startup SHA, current master SHA, boundary status).
+    2. Return a **typed blocker** with exact operator UI steps for Codex (or
+       another client) when reconnect is required.
+
+    This tool **never** restarts, kills, reloads, or reconfigures an MCP
+    process. Forbidden recovery paths (pkill, touch/mtime hacks, config/.env
+    edits, session-state edits, raw API) are never recommended.
+
+    After the operator reconnects, workflows must restart from preflight:
+    ``gitea_whoami`` → ``gitea_resolve_task_capability`` → task.
+
+    Args:
+        namespace: MCP namespace to reconnect (e.g. ``gitea-author``). Defaults
+            to the active profile's inferred namespace.
+        reason: Why reconnect is requested: ``stale-runtime``, ``transport_eof``,
+            ``missing_namespace``, ``not_required``, or free-form (normalized).
+        client: Operator UI surface — ``codex`` (default), ``claude_code``, or
+            ``generic``.
+        remote: Known instance — ``dadeschools`` or ``prgs`` (parity context).
+        host: Optional host override for parity context.
+        session_id: Optional session id to echo in the report.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict with reconnect report fields, ``reconnect_performed=False``,
+        ``typed_blocker`` when reconnect is required, and
+        ``forbidden_recovery_paths``.
+    """
+    # Read-only: gitea.read is sufficient. Never a mutation.
+    read_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.read")
+    if read_block:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "read_only": True,
+            "reconnect_performed": False,
+            "mutation_performed": False,
+            "reasons": read_block,
+            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.read"),
+            "forbidden_recovery_paths": list(
+                mcp_client_reconnect.FORBIDDEN_RECOVERY_PATHS
+            ),
+        }
+
+    profile = get_profile()
+    profile_name = (profile.get("profile_name") or "").strip() or None
+    inferred_ns = role_namespace_gate.infer_mcp_namespace(profile_name)
+    ns = (namespace or "").strip() or inferred_ns or "gitea-tools"
+
+    parity = _current_master_parity()
+    startup_sha = (
+        parity.get("daemon_start_head")
+        or parity.get("startup_head")
+        or _process_boot_head_sha
+    )
+    current_sha = parity.get("local_head") or parity.get("current_head")
+    if not current_sha:
+        try:
+            current_sha = master_parity_gate.read_git_head(PROJECT_ROOT)
+        except Exception:  # noqa: BLE001
+            current_sha = None
+
+    boundary = mcp_client_reconnect.classify_boundary_status(
+        startup_sha=startup_sha if isinstance(startup_sha, str) else None,
+        current_master_sha=current_sha if isinstance(current_sha, str) else None,
+        live_stale=bool(parity.get("live_stale")) if parity.get("live_known") else None,
+        in_parity=parity.get("in_parity") if parity.get("determinable") else None,
+    )
+
+    # Infer reason from parity when caller left it unspecified.
+    effective_reason = reason
+    if not (effective_reason or "").strip():
+        if parity.get("restart_required") or parity.get("live_stale"):
+            effective_reason = mcp_client_reconnect.REASON_STALE_RUNTIME
+        elif boundary == mcp_client_reconnect.BOUNDARY_CLEAN:
+            effective_reason = mcp_client_reconnect.REASON_NOT_REQUIRED
+        else:
+            effective_reason = mcp_client_reconnect.REASON_UNSPECIFIED
+
+    payload = mcp_client_reconnect.build_reconnect_request(
+        namespace=ns,
+        profile=profile_name,
+        pid=os.getpid(),
+        session_id=session_id
+        or f"{(profile_name or 'session')}-{os.getpid()}",
+        startup_sha=startup_sha if isinstance(startup_sha, str) else None,
+        current_master_sha=current_sha if isinstance(current_sha, str) else None,
+        boundary_status=boundary,
+        reason=effective_reason,
+        client=client,
+        live_stale=bool(parity.get("live_stale")) if parity.get("live_known") else None,
+        in_parity=parity.get("in_parity") if parity.get("determinable") else None,
+        restart_required=bool(parity.get("restart_required")),
+        stop_required=bool(parity.get("restart_required")),
+        extra={
+            "remote": remote if remote in REMOTES else remote,
+            "host": host,
+            "session_context_audit": session_ctx.mutation_context_audit_fields(),
+            "parity_summary": master_parity_gate.format_parity(parity),
+            "live_stale": parity.get("live_stale"),
+            "live_known": parity.get("live_known"),
+            "in_parity": parity.get("in_parity"),
+        },
+    )
+    return payload
+
+
 @mcp.tool()
 def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     remote: str = "dadeschools",

mcp_client_reconnect.py

@@ -0,0 +1,328 @@
+"""Sanctioned MCP client reconnect request surface for Codex/LLM sessions (#678).
+
+Codex and other agent hosts can detect stale or closed Gitea MCP runtimes, but
+the host owns the transport. This module never restarts, kills, or reloads a
+daemon. It builds:
+
+1. A **callable reconnect request** result agents can invoke via
+   ``gitea_request_mcp_reconnect`` (report-only, side-effect free).
+2. A **typed blocker** with exact operator UI steps when recovery must be
+   performed by the host/operator.
+
+Forbidden recovery paths (must never be recommended):
+
+* ``pkill`` / ``kill`` / ``killall`` of MCP daemons
+* ``touch`` / mtime config reload hacks
+* ``.env`` or MCP config edits as recovery
+* session-state file edits
+* raw Gitea API / direct server-import fallbacks
+
+After the operator reconnects, workflows restart from identity / runtime /
+capability preflight (``gitea_whoami`` → ``gitea_resolve_task_capability`` →
+task).
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any, Mapping
+
+# --- Reason vocabulary -------------------------------------------------------
+
+REASON_STALE_RUNTIME = "stale-runtime"
+REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF = "transport_eof"
+REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE = "missing_namespace"
+REASON_NOT_REQUIRED = "not_required"
+REASON_UNSPECIFIED = "unspecified"
+
+VALID_REASONS = frozenset(
+    {
+        REASON_STALE_RUNTIME,
+        REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF,
+        REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE,
+        REASON_NOT_REQUIRED,
+        REASON_UNSPECIFIED,
+    }
+)
+
+# Boundary statuses reported to callers (match review_workflow_boundary style).
+BOUNDARY_CLEAN = "clean"
+BOUNDARY_MISMATCH = "mismatch"
+BOUNDARY_STALE = "stale"
+BOUNDARY_UNKNOWN = "unknown"
+
+# Typed blocker kinds
+BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT = "operator_mcp_reconnect_required"
+BLOCKER_NONE = "none"
+
+FORBIDDEN_RECOVERY_PATHS: tuple[str, ...] = (
+    "pkill / kill / killall of mcp_server.py, gitea_mcp_server, or broad python sweeps",
+    "touch / mtime-based MCP config reload hacks",
+    ".env edits as recovery",
+    "MCP config file edits as recovery",
+    "session-state file edits as recovery",
+    "raw Gitea API or direct MCP server-import fallbacks",
+)
+
+# Client-specific operator UI steps. Keep Codex first (issue title surface).
+OPERATOR_UI_STEPS: dict[str, tuple[str, ...]] = {
+    "codex": (
+        "In Codex, open the MCP / Developer tools panel for this workspace.",
+        "Locate the named Gitea MCP server entry (namespace) that needs reconnect "
+        "(e.g. gitea-author, gitea-reviewer, gitea-merger, gitea-tools, "
+        "gitea-controller, gitea-reconciler).",
+        "Click 'Reload Developer Tools' or the server reconnect/reload control "
+        "for that entry so the client spawns a fresh MCP subprocess.",
+        "If per-server reconnect is unavailable, fully restart the Codex client "
+        "(quit and relaunch) so all MCP namespaces reattach.",
+        "After reconnect, rerun the blocked workflow from preflight: "
+        "gitea_whoami → gitea_resolve_task_capability → the original task. "
+        "Do not resume mid-mutation.",
+    ),
+    "claude_code": (
+        "Run `/mcp` (or open the MCP servers UI) in Claude Code.",
+        "Reconnect the affected gitea-* server entry so the client reopens stdio.",
+        "If reconnect fails, relaunch the Claude Code session entirely.",
+        "After reconnect, restart the workflow from gitea_whoami → "
+        "gitea_resolve_task_capability → task.",
+    ),
+    "generic": (
+        "Use the host/IDE MCP reconnect or reload control for the named namespace.",
+        "If no per-namespace control exists, restart the MCP client/editor.",
+        "After reconnect, restart the workflow from identity/capability preflight.",
+    ),
+}
+
+DEFAULT_CLIENT = "codex"
+
+
+def normalize_reason(reason: str | None) -> str:
+    """Map free-form reason strings onto the closed vocabulary."""
+    raw = (reason or "").strip().lower()
+    if not raw:
+        return REASON_UNSPECIFIED
+    if raw in VALID_REASONS:
+        return raw
+    text = raw.replace(" ", "_").replace("-", "_")
+    aliases = {
+        "stale_runtime": REASON_STALE_RUNTIME,
+        "staleruntime": REASON_STALE_RUNTIME,
+        "runtime_stale": REASON_STALE_RUNTIME,
+        "stale": REASON_STALE_RUNTIME,
+        "transport_eof": REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF,
+        "transport_closed": REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF,
+        "eof": REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF,
+        "client_is_closing": REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF,
+        "missing_namespace": REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE,
+        "namespace_missing": REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE,
+        "not_required": REASON_NOT_REQUIRED,
+        "healthy": REASON_NOT_REQUIRED,
+        "ok": REASON_NOT_REQUIRED,
+        "unspecified": REASON_UNSPECIFIED,
+    }
+    if text in aliases:
+        return aliases[text]
+    hyphenated = text.replace("_", "-")
+    if hyphenated in VALID_REASONS:
+        return hyphenated
+    return REASON_UNSPECIFIED
+
+
+def normalize_client(client: str | None) -> str:
+    """Return a known client key for operator UI steps."""
+    text = (client or "").strip().lower().replace(" ", "_").replace("-", "_")
+    if text in ("codex", "openai_codex", "openai"):
+        return "codex"
+    if text in ("claude", "claude_code", "claude_desktop", "anthropic"):
+        return "claude_code"
+    if text in OPERATOR_UI_STEPS:
+        return text
+    return DEFAULT_CLIENT
+
+
+def classify_boundary_status(
+    *,
+    startup_sha: str | None,
+    current_master_sha: str | None,
+    live_stale: bool | None = None,
+    in_parity: bool | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """Derive boundary_status from parity evidence."""
+    if live_stale is True or in_parity is False:
+        return BOUNDARY_STALE
+    start = (startup_sha or "").strip().lower()
+    current = (current_master_sha or "").strip().lower()
+    if start and current and start != current:
+        return BOUNDARY_MISMATCH
+    if start and current and start == current:
+        return BOUNDARY_CLEAN
+    if in_parity is True:
+        return BOUNDARY_CLEAN
+    return BOUNDARY_UNKNOWN
+
+
+def operator_ui_steps(client: str | None, *, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+    """Exact operator UI steps for the named client."""
+    key = normalize_client(client)
+    steps = list(OPERATOR_UI_STEPS.get(key) or OPERATOR_UI_STEPS[DEFAULT_CLIENT])
+    ns = (namespace or "").strip()
+    if ns:
+        steps = [
+            s.replace("named Gitea MCP server entry (namespace)", f"namespace '{ns}'")
+            .replace("affected gitea-* server entry", f"server entry '{ns}'")
+            .replace("named namespace", f"namespace '{ns}'")
+            for s in steps
+        ]
+    return steps
+
+
+def build_reconnect_request(
+    *,
+    namespace: str,
+    profile: str | None = None,
+    pid: int | str | None = None,
+    session_id: str | None = None,
+    startup_sha: str | None = None,
+    current_master_sha: str | None = None,
+    boundary_status: str | None = None,
+    reason: str | None = None,
+    client: str | None = DEFAULT_CLIENT,
+    live_stale: bool | None = None,
+    in_parity: bool | None = None,
+    restart_required: bool | None = None,
+    stop_required: bool | None = None,
+    extra: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Build the structured reconnect-request / typed-blocker payload (#678).
+
+    Never mutates process, config, or session state. Always side-effect free.
+    """
+    ns = (namespace or "").strip() or "unknown"
+    normalized_reason = normalize_reason(reason)
+    boundary = (boundary_status or "").strip() or classify_boundary_status(
+        startup_sha=startup_sha,
+        current_master_sha=current_master_sha,
+        live_stale=live_stale,
+        in_parity=in_parity,
+    )
+
+    reconnect_needed = True
+    if normalized_reason == REASON_NOT_REQUIRED and boundary == BOUNDARY_CLEAN:
+        reconnect_needed = False
+    if restart_required is False and stop_required is False and boundary == BOUNDARY_CLEAN:
+        # Explicit healthy probe
+        if normalized_reason in (REASON_NOT_REQUIRED, REASON_UNSPECIFIED):
+            reconnect_needed = False
+            normalized_reason = REASON_NOT_REQUIRED
+
+    if restart_required is True or stop_required is True:
+        reconnect_needed = True
+        if normalized_reason in (REASON_NOT_REQUIRED, REASON_UNSPECIFIED):
+            normalized_reason = REASON_STALE_RUNTIME
+
+    client_key = normalize_client(client)
+    steps = operator_ui_steps(client_key, namespace=ns)
+
+    result: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "success": True,
+        "read_only": True,
+        "reconnect_performed": False,
+        "mutation_performed": False,
+        "reconnect_needed": reconnect_needed,
+        "namespace": ns,
+        "profile": (profile or "").strip() or None,
+        "pid": pid,
+        "session_id": (session_id or "").strip() or None,
+        "startup_sha": (startup_sha or "").strip() or None,
+        "current_master_sha": (current_master_sha or "").strip() or None,
+        "boundary_status": boundary,
+        "reason": normalized_reason,
+        "client": client_key,
+        "forbidden_recovery_paths": list(FORBIDDEN_RECOVERY_PATHS),
+        "post_reconnect_preflight": [
+            "gitea_whoami",
+            "gitea_resolve_task_capability",
+            "original_task",
+        ],
+        "exact_safe_next_action": None,
+        "blocker_kind": BLOCKER_NONE,
+        "operator_ui_steps": steps,
+        "typed_blocker": None,
+    }
+
+    if reconnect_needed:
+        result["blocker_kind"] = BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT
+        result["stop_required"] = True
+        result["restart_required"] = True
+        result["exact_safe_next_action"] = (
+            f"blocker_kind={BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT}: operator must reconnect "
+            f"MCP namespace '{ns}' via the host UI (client={client_key}). "
+            "Do not pkill, touch configs, edit session state, or use raw API. "
+            "After reconnect, restart from gitea_whoami → "
+            "gitea_resolve_task_capability → task."
+        )
+        result["typed_blocker"] = {
+            "blocker_kind": BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT,
+            "namespaces": [ns],
+            "why_reconnect_required": normalized_reason,
+            "operator_ui_steps": steps,
+            "client": client_key,
+            "forbidden_recovery_paths": list(FORBIDDEN_RECOVERY_PATHS),
+            "instruction_after_reconnect": (
+                "Rerun the blocked workflow from preflight "
+                "(gitea_whoami → gitea_resolve_task_capability → task). "
+                "Do not continue mid-mutation from pre-reconnect state."
+            ),
+        }
+    else:
+        result["stop_required"] = False
+        result["restart_required"] = False
+        result["exact_safe_next_action"] = (
+            f"Reconnect not required for namespace '{ns}' "
+            f"(boundary_status={boundary}). Proceed with the original task."
+        )
+
+    if extra:
+        for key, value in extra.items():
+            if key not in result:
+                result[key] = value
+
+    return result
+
+
+def reasons_never_suggest_forbidden(text: str) -> bool:
+    """Return True when *text* does not recommend a forbidden recovery path.
+
+    Mentions that *ban* a path (e.g. ``Do not pkill`` / ``never edit session
+    state``) are allowed. Positive recommendations such as ``use pkill`` or
+    ``run killall`` fail.
+    """
+    import re
+
+    lowered = (text or "").lower()
+    # Strip common ban prefixes so "do not pkill" does not trip positive checks.
+    scrubbed = re.sub(
+        r"\b(?:do not|don't|never|must not|forbid(?:den)?|ban(?:ned)?)\b"
+        r"[^.!;\n]{0,80}",
+        " ",
+        lowered,
+    )
+    # Positive imperative / advisory forms that would tell an agent to do harm.
+    positive_suggestions = (
+        "use pkill",
+        "run pkill",
+        "try pkill",
+        "pkill -f",
+        "use killall",
+        "run killall",
+        "killall mcp",
+        "use kill ",
+        "run kill ",
+        "touch the mcp",
+        "touch mcp config",
+        "utime(",
+        "edit the mcp config to recover",
+        "edit .env to recover",
+        "import gitea_mcp_server",
+        "python -c 'import gitea_mcp",
+    )
+    return not any(frag in scrubbed for frag in positive_suggestions)

mcp_restart_paths.py

@@ -225,8 +225,33 @@ _RESTART_PATHS: tuple[RestartPath, ...] = (
             "exact_safe_next_action pointing at IDE/client reconnect; performs "
             "no restart, thread spawn, config touch, or os._exit."
         ),
-        locations=("gitea_mcp_server.py (gitea_resolve_task_capability)",),
+        locations=(
-        references=("#685", "#657"),
+            "gitea_mcp_server.py (gitea_resolve_task_capability)",
+            "gitea_mcp_server.py (gitea_request_mcp_reconnect)",
+            "mcp_client_reconnect.py",
+        ),
+        references=("#685", "#657", "#678"),
+    ),
+    RestartPath(
+        path_id="codex_client_reconnect_request",
+        title="Sanctioned Codex/LLM reconnect request tool",
+        mechanism=(
+            "gitea_request_mcp_reconnect: agents invoke a report-only tool that "
+            "returns namespace/profile/pid/startup SHA/master SHA/boundary "
+            "status plus a typed operator blocker with exact client UI steps."
+        ),
+        classification=CLASS_GUARDED_FAIL_CLOSED,
+        guard=(
+            "Report-only (#678): never restarts, kills, reloads, or edits "
+            "config; recovery is always host/operator reconnect. Forbidden "
+            "paths (pkill, touch, .env/config/session-state hacks) are listed "
+            "and never recommended."
+        ),
+        locations=(
+            "mcp_client_reconnect.py",
+            "gitea_mcp_server.py (gitea_request_mcp_reconnect)",
+        ),
+        references=("#678", "#630", "#685", "#657"),
     ),
     RestartPath(
         path_id="manual_daemon_kill",
@@ -271,7 +296,8 @@ _RESTART_PATHS: tuple[RestartPath, ...] = (
         title="Host/IDE MCP reconnect",
         mechanism=(
             "A manual `/mcp reconnect` (or equivalent host action) that the "
-            "IDE performs to recreate the MCP client connection."
+            "IDE performs to recreate the MCP client connection. Agents obtain "
+            "exact UI steps via gitea_request_mcp_reconnect (#678)."
         ),
         classification=CLASS_HOST_RESIDUAL,
         guard=(
@@ -279,8 +305,12 @@ _RESTART_PATHS: tuple[RestartPath, ...] = (
             "gates point operators toward; documented as residual host "
             "behavior. No in-process code initiates it."
         ),
-        locations=("host/IDE",),
+        locations=(
-        references=("#584", "#656", "#657"),
+            "host/IDE",
+            "mcp_client_reconnect.py",
+            "gitea_mcp_server.py (gitea_request_mcp_reconnect)",
+        ),
+        references=("#584", "#656", "#657", "#678"),
         residual_host=True,
     ),
     RestartPath(

tests/test_issue_678_mcp_client_reconnect.py

@@ -0,0 +1,323 @@
+"""Tests for sanctioned Codex MCP reconnect request surface (#678)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import unittest
+from unittest import mock
+
+import mcp_client_reconnect as mcr
+
+
+class NormalizeReasonTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_stale_runtime_aliases(self):
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason("stale-runtime"), mcr.REASON_STALE_RUNTIME)
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason("stale_runtime"), mcr.REASON_STALE_RUNTIME)
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason("STALE"), mcr.REASON_STALE_RUNTIME)
+
+    def test_transport_eof_aliases(self):
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason("transport_eof"), mcr.REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF)
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason("EOF"), mcr.REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mcr.normalize_reason("client_is_closing"), mcr.REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_namespace(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mcr.normalize_reason("missing_namespace"), mcr.REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE
+        )
+
+    def test_empty_is_unspecified(self):
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason(None), mcr.REASON_UNSPECIFIED)
+        self.assertEqual(mcr.normalize_reason(""), mcr.REASON_UNSPECIFIED)
+
+
+class BoundaryClassificationTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_clean_when_shas_match(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mcr.classify_boundary_status(
+                startup_sha="abc", current_master_sha="abc"
+            ),
+            mcr.BOUNDARY_CLEAN,
+        )
+
+    def test_mismatch_when_shas_differ(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mcr.classify_boundary_status(
+                startup_sha="aaa", current_master_sha="bbb"
+            ),
+            mcr.BOUNDARY_MISMATCH,
+        )
+
+    def test_stale_when_live_stale(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mcr.classify_boundary_status(
+                startup_sha="aaa",
+                current_master_sha="aaa",
+                live_stale=True,
+            ),
+            mcr.BOUNDARY_STALE,
+        )
+
+
+class BuildReconnectRequestTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_stale_runtime_returns_typed_blocker_with_codex_steps(self):
+        result = mcr.build_reconnect_request(
+            namespace="gitea-author",
+            profile="prgs-author",
+            pid=1234,
+            session_id="sess-1",
+            startup_sha="aaa111",
+            current_master_sha="bbb222",
+            reason="stale-runtime",
+            client="codex",
+            restart_required=True,
+            stop_required=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["success"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["read_only"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["reconnect_performed"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_performed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["reconnect_needed"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["namespace"], "gitea-author")
+        self.assertEqual(result["profile"], "prgs-author")
+        self.assertEqual(result["pid"], 1234)
+        self.assertEqual(result["session_id"], "sess-1")
+        self.assertEqual(result["startup_sha"], "aaa111")
+        self.assertEqual(result["current_master_sha"], "bbb222")
+        self.assertEqual(result["boundary_status"], mcr.BOUNDARY_MISMATCH)
+        self.assertEqual(result["blocker_kind"], mcr.BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(result["typed_blocker"])
+        blocker = result["typed_blocker"]
+        self.assertEqual(blocker["namespaces"], ["gitea-author"])
+        self.assertEqual(blocker["why_reconnect_required"], mcr.REASON_STALE_RUNTIME)
+        self.assertTrue(any("Codex" in s or "Reload" in s for s in blocker["operator_ui_steps"]))
+        self.assertIn("pkill", " ".join(result["forbidden_recovery_paths"]).lower())
+        self.assertTrue(
+            mcr.reasons_never_suggest_forbidden(result["exact_safe_next_action"] or "")
+        )
+        # Must not recommend forbidden recovery.
+        for step in blocker["operator_ui_steps"]:
+            self.assertTrue(mcr.reasons_never_suggest_forbidden(step), step)
+
+    def test_transport_eof_typed_blocker(self):
+        result = mcr.build_reconnect_request(
+            namespace="gitea-reviewer",
+            reason="transport_eof",
+            client="claude_code",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["reconnect_needed"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["reason"], mcr.REASON_TRANSPORT_EOF)
+        self.assertEqual(result["client"], "claude_code")
+        steps = " ".join(result["operator_ui_steps"]).lower()
+        self.assertIn("/mcp", steps)
+
+    def test_missing_namespace_typed_blocker(self):
+        result = mcr.build_reconnect_request(
+            namespace="gitea-merger",
+            reason="missing_namespace",
+            client="codex",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["reconnect_needed"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["reason"], mcr.REASON_MISSING_NAMESPACE)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["typed_blocker"]["blocker_kind"], mcr.BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT
+        )
+
+    def test_healthy_not_required(self):
+        result = mcr.build_reconnect_request(
+            namespace="gitea-tools",
+            startup_sha="deadbeef",
+            current_master_sha="deadbeef",
+            reason="not_required",
+            client="codex",
+            in_parity=True,
+            restart_required=False,
+            stop_required=False,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["reconnect_needed"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["blocker_kind"], mcr.BLOCKER_NONE)
+        self.assertIsNone(result["typed_blocker"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["stop_required"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["restart_required"])
+        self.assertIn("not required", (result["exact_safe_next_action"] or "").lower())
+
+    def test_successful_reconnect_report_fields_present(self):
+        """AC2: reconnect result reports required fields (even when needed)."""
+        result = mcr.build_reconnect_request(
+            namespace="gitea-controller",
+            profile="prgs-controller",
+            pid=99,
+            session_id="sid",
+            startup_sha="s" * 40,
+            current_master_sha="c" * 40,
+            reason="stale-runtime",
+        )
+        for key in (
+            "namespace",
+            "profile",
+            "pid",
+            "session_id",
+            "startup_sha",
+            "current_master_sha",
+            "boundary_status",
+        ):
+            self.assertIn(key, result)
+            self.assertIsNotNone(result[key], key)
+
+
+class ToolSurfaceTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Exercise gitea_request_mcp_reconnect with a stubbed server context."""
+
+    def test_tool_is_registered_and_side_effect_free(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as srv
+
+        self.assertTrue(hasattr(srv, "gitea_request_mcp_reconnect"))
+        with mock.patch.object(srv, "_profile_operation_gate", return_value=None):
+            with mock.patch.object(
+                srv,
+                "get_profile",
+                return_value={
+                    "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+                    "role_kind": "author",
+                    "role": "author",
+                },
+            ):
+                with mock.patch.object(
+                    srv,
+                    "_current_master_parity",
+                    return_value={
+                        "startup_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "current_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "daemon_start_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "local_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "in_parity": True,
+                        "stale": False,
+                        "restart_required": False,
+                        "determinable": True,
+                        "live_stale": False,
+                        "live_known": True,
+                        "reasons": [],
+                    },
+                ):
+                    with mock.patch.object(
+                        srv.master_parity_gate,
+                        "format_parity",
+                        return_value="in parity",
+                    ):
+                        with mock.patch.object(
+                            srv.role_namespace_gate,
+                            "infer_mcp_namespace",
+                            return_value="gitea-author",
+                        ):
+                            with mock.patch.object(
+                                srv.session_ctx,
+                                "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+                                return_value={"session_profile": "prgs-author"},
+                            ):
+                                result = srv.gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(
+                                    namespace="gitea-author",
+                                    reason="not_required",
+                                    client="codex",
+                                    remote="prgs",
+                                )
+        self.assertTrue(result.get("success"))
+        self.assertFalse(result.get("reconnect_performed"))
+        self.assertFalse(result.get("mutation_performed"))
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("namespace"), "gitea-author")
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("profile"), "prgs-author")
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("pid"), os.getpid())
+        self.assertIn("startup_sha", result)
+        self.assertIn("current_master_sha", result)
+        self.assertIn("boundary_status", result)
+        self.assertTrue(
+            mcr.reasons_never_suggest_forbidden(
+                result.get("exact_safe_next_action") or ""
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_tool_stale_returns_typed_blocker(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as srv
+
+        with mock.patch.object(srv, "_profile_operation_gate", return_value=None):
+            with mock.patch.object(
+                srv,
+                "get_profile",
+                return_value={
+                    "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+                    "role_kind": "reconciler",
+                    "role": "reconciler",
+                },
+            ):
+                with mock.patch.object(
+                    srv,
+                    "_current_master_parity",
+                    return_value={
+                        "startup_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "current_head": "b" * 40,
+                        "daemon_start_head": "a" * 40,
+                        "local_head": "b" * 40,
+                        "in_parity": False,
+                        "stale": True,
+                        "restart_required": True,
+                        "determinable": True,
+                        "live_stale": True,
+                        "live_known": True,
+                        "reasons": ["stale"],
+                    },
+                ):
+                    with mock.patch.object(
+                        srv.master_parity_gate,
+                        "format_parity",
+                        return_value="stale",
+                    ):
+                        with mock.patch.object(
+                            srv.role_namespace_gate,
+                            "infer_mcp_namespace",
+                            return_value="gitea-reconciler",
+                        ):
+                            with mock.patch.object(
+                                srv.session_ctx,
+                                "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+                                return_value={},
+                            ):
+                                result = srv.gitea_request_mcp_reconnect(
+                                    reason="stale-runtime",
+                                    client="codex",
+                                )
+        self.assertTrue(result["reconnect_needed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["blocker_kind"], mcr.BLOCKER_OPERATOR_RECONNECT
+        )
+        self.assertIsNotNone(result["typed_blocker"])
+        self.assertIn("gitea-reconciler", result["typed_blocker"]["namespaces"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["stop_required"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["restart_required"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            mcr.reasons_never_suggest_forbidden(
+                result.get("exact_safe_next_action") or ""
+            )
+        )
+
+
+class InventoryRegistrationTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_reconnect_path_in_restart_inventory(self):
+        import mcp_restart_paths as mrp
+
+        ids = {p.path_id for p in mrp.iter_restart_paths()}
+        self.assertIn("codex_client_reconnect_request", ids)
+        self.assertIn("ide_client_reconnect", ids)
+
+    def test_tool_name_in_documented_inventory(self):
+        import mcp_tool_inventory as inv
+
+        doc_path = os.path.join(
+            os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)), inv.INVENTORY_DOC_PATH
+        )
+        with open(doc_path, encoding="utf-8") as handle:
+            documented = inv.parse_documented_inventory(handle.read())
+        self.assertIn("gitea_request_mcp_reconnect", documented)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()