diff --git a/packages/server/src/server/agent/agent-manager.ts b/packages/server/src/server/agent/agent-manager.ts
index 1032ef73d3..ecf10dded7 100644
--- a/packages/server/src/server/agent/agent-manager.ts
+++ b/packages/server/src/server/agent/agent-manager.ts
@@ -2457,13 +2457,17 @@ export class AgentManager {
       agent.pendingReplacement = false;
       const errorMsg = error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to start turn";
       this.runs.settleForegroundStart(pendingRun, { status: "failed", error: errorMsg });
-      await this.handleStreamEvent(agent, {
-        type: "turn_failed",
-        provider: agent.provider,
-        error: errorMsg,
-      });
-      this.finalizeForegroundTurn(agent);
-      this.runs.settleForegroundRun(agentId, pendingRun.token);
+      try {
+        await this.handleStreamEvent(agent, {
+          type: "turn_failed",
+          provider: agent.provider,
+          error: errorMsg,
+        });
+        this.finalizeForegroundTurn(agent);
+      } finally {
+        // A steer waiting on this start is released only once the run is cleared.
+        this.runs.settleForegroundRun(agentId, pendingRun.token);
+      }
       throw error;
     }
   }