diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 0eed5bedf..a1b94dec6 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ When modifying MCP functionality, changes typically need to be applied across al
 - **NEVER** force-push on collaborative repos
 - **ALWAYS** run prek before PRs
 - **NEVER** create a release, comment on an issue, or open a PR unless specifically instructed to do so.
+- **NEVER** merge a PR marked as do-not-merge or draft. Check title, body, AND labels for `[DNM]`, `DNM`, `DO NOT MERGE`, `DON'T MERGE`, `DONT MERGE`, `do-not-merge`, `dont-merge`, `[DRAFT]`, or `DRAFT` (case-insensitive, any variation — some authors use `[DRAFT]` in the title even when `isDraft` is false). Authors use these as hard stops — respect them even if CI is green and review looks clean. When triaging a batch of PRs, filter these out up front AND re-check each one's labels immediately before merging, since labels can change mid-session.
+- **ALWAYS** read review-bot comments before approving a PR. CodeRabbit and chatgpt-codex-connector (Codex) leave substantive review comments on most PRs in this repo — these bots have read the diff and often flag real issues that aren't in the PR description. Use `gh pr view <num> --comments` and read the bot feedback as part of review. Unlike proposed solutions from issue reporters, review-bot feedback should be evaluated on its merits, not discounted.
 
 ### Releases