Add configuration flags for background sessions and update default model
TL;DR
Introduced new configuration flags for the 'claude agents' command to customize background sessions, including directory, settings, and permission overrides. Updated fast mode to default to Opus 4.7.
What changed
Claude Code released version 2.1.144 on May 19, 2026. The update adds configuration flags to the claude agents command for background sessions. These flags cover directory selection, settings overrides, and permission controls.
Fast mode now defaults to Opus 4.7 instead of the prior model.
Why it matters
Solo builders gain tighter control over long-running agents without writing custom scripts. Background sessions can now respect specific folders and permission sets on each run. This reduces manual cleanup steps that previously interrupted workflows.
The change pressures other CLI tools that still treat background tasks as afterthoughts. It bets that users want repeatable agent behavior across projects rather than one-off prompts.
How to use it
Install or update the Claude Code CLI to the latest release. Run claude agents with the new flags such as directory, settings file path, and permission override values. Test a background session in fast mode to confirm Opus 4.7 is active.
Check the official docs at code.claude.com for the exact flag syntax and current availability.
Watch for
Confirm the bet if background sessions stay stable across multiple directories without permission errors. The bet breaks if flag conflicts appear in shared team settings. Expect a follow-up release that adds logging controls for these sessions next.
Who this matters for
- Vibe Builders: Use the new directory flags to run parallel agent sessions for different creative project folders.
- Developers: Update to v2.1.144 to access Opus 4.7 in fast mode and script background agent permission overrides.
Harsh’s take
Anthropic is doubling down on the CLI as the primary interface for agentic workflows. By adding granular configuration flags for background sessions, they are moving away from the chat box and toward a headless execution model. This update signals that agents are no longer just for quick fixes: they are becoming persistent background workers that require specific environment controls and permission scoping.
The shift to Opus 4.7 as the default for fast mode is a significant performance bet. It suggests Anthropic has optimized their flagship model's latency enough to handle rapid-fire CLI interactions. For operators, the real value lies in the directory-specific overrides.
This allows for cleaner automation across multi-repo environments without the configuration bleed that usually plagues local agent tools.
by Harsh Desai
About Claude Code
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