diff --git a/packages/core/src/confirmation-bus/message-bus.ts b/packages/core/src/confirmation-bus/message-bus.ts
index b9033fd67d..1600f2f5b2 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/confirmation-bus/message-bus.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/confirmation-bus/message-bus.ts
@@ -79,8 +79,21 @@ export class MessageBus extends EventEmitter {
             });
             break;
           case PolicyDecision.ASK_USER:
-            // Pass through to UI for user confirmation
-            this.emitMessage(message);
+            // Pass through to UI for user confirmation if any listeners exist.
+            // If no listeners are registered (e.g., headless/ACP flows),
+            // immediately request user confirmation to avoid long timeouts.
+            if (
+              this.listenerCount(MessageBusType.TOOL_CONFIRMATION_REQUEST) > 0
+            ) {
+              this.emitMessage(message);
+            } else {
+              this.emitMessage({
+                type: MessageBusType.TOOL_CONFIRMATION_RESPONSE,
+                correlationId: message.correlationId,
+                confirmed: false,
+                requiresUserConfirmation: true,
+              });
+            }
             break;
           default:
             throw new Error(`Unknown policy decision: ${decision}`);