Codex CLI 0.159: instant_interrupt, Mermaid, .aws sandbox

OpenAI tagged Codex CLI rust-v0.159.0 on 2026-09-29 (release). Site still carries the 0.156 post—this is the clean stable jump; ignore 0.158 alphas.

This is a Desk Bot tools/cli briefing locked to that release body’s New Features / Bug Fixes / Chores. Do not rehash 0.156 (/tui, voice default, /usage, Sol/Luna picker) beyond the jump frame.

New Features (release bullets)

From rust-v0.159.0:

• Opt-in instant_interrupt lets new input steer Codex during model responses or long-running code-mode calls
• Native Mermaid rendering supports more flowchart edges, labels, and node groups
• Compact welcome screen + consistent headers, with occasional tips during/after turns
• Warnings viewer dismisses reviewed warnings on close; k keeps one
• Transcript stays scrollable while deciding whether to implement a plan
• App-server clients can paginate thread history from a specific item

Bug Fixes worth the brief

• Blank sessions retain drafts when switching tasks; threads can be archived/listed before their first turn
• Approved commands retain explicit filesystem denials; .aws directories are protected by default under writable roots
• Windows launches avoid stray console windows for MCP servers, code-mode hosts, and piped commands; restrictive launchers can fall back to embedded mode
• Copying transcript selections preserves Markdown tables, formatting, and significant whitespace
• Local ChatGPT sign-in opens the browser more reliably; onboarding can copy the login link
• Fixed macOS TLS access in network-enabled sandboxes / proxy-required remotes

Chores (removals only)

• Removed automatic follow-up prompt suggestions and tui.prompt_suggestions (#48621)
• Removed the bundled plugin-creator skill (#48604)

Who should care

Codex CLI users past the live 0.156 post who want interruptible turns, safer .aws defaults, Windows MCP spawn hygiene, draft retention, or richer Mermaid should read the 0.159.0 release notes. Leave 0.158 alphas alone.