diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 1bcb676..38373e2 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,6 +5,12 @@ All notable changes to `et` are documented here. Format loosely follows
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Added
+- `et jira start`: now offers to assign the issue to yourself (defaulting
+  to yes) right after the existing "move to In Progress?" prompt, unless
+  it's already assigned to you. Applies to both the interactive picker and
+  the direct `et jira start KEY` form.
+
 ## [1.0.0] - 2026-09-08
 
 Built from `main`, including `feat/native-wayland` (PR #9).
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9373a6b..f8b48c8 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ can link workspaces to Jira issues to log time against them.
 
 - **`et jira [start|create|log-time|complete|comment|status]`**: interact and align your workspaces with Jira from the command line:
   - `create`: wrapper to create Jira issue from the command line (can take GitHub PR as input)
-  - `start`: let you select and assigned task, create a workspace associated to it, and track the time you spend on it.
+  - `start`: let you select and assigned task, create a workspace associated to it, and track the time you spend on it (prompts to move it to "In Progress" and to assign it to yourself if it isn't already).
   - `log-time`: log your current progress (typically to do it on a daily-basis)
   - `complete`: log the time spent, and move the issue to Done. If less than 60 seconds
     have elapsed, skip logging and continue with the completion prompts.
diff --git a/src/et/cli.py b/src/et/cli.py
index 92aa0cd..4120809 100644
--- a/src/et/cli.py
+++ b/src/et/cli.py
@@ -640,11 +640,12 @@ def jira_start(
     Lists your active Jira issues that aren't already linked to a
     workspace and lets you pick one (its summary becomes the workspace
     name/description and its key is linked). If the selected issue isn't
-    already "In Progress", offers to move it there. When every workspace is
-    already taken, `et jira start` asks whether to add one more (bumping
-    GNOME's workspace count by one). The terminal window `et jira start`
-    was run from is moved along to the new workspace, so it doesn't get
-    left behind.
+    already "In Progress", offers to move it there. If it isn't already
+    assigned to you, offers to assign it to yourself too. When every
+    workspace is already taken, `et jira start` asks whether to add one
+    more (bumping GNOME's workspace count by one). The terminal window
+    `et jira start` was run from is moved along to the new workspace, so
+    it doesn't get left behind.
 
     With KEY given, skips the picker and starts that specific issue
     directly (failing if it's already linked to a workspace). It follows
@@ -668,6 +669,12 @@ def confirm_transition(issue: JiraIssue) -> bool:
             default=True,
         )
 
+    def confirm_assign(issue: JiraIssue) -> bool:
+        return typer.confirm(
+            f"Assign {_key_display(issue.key)} to yourself?",
+            default=True,
+        )
+
     def confirm_grow(count: int) -> bool:
         return typer.confirm(
             f"All {count} workspaces are in use. Add another workspace?", default=True
@@ -697,7 +704,12 @@ def warn(message: str) -> None:
 
         try:
             key_result = create_task_from_jira_key(
-                key, confirm_transition, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+                key,
+                confirm_transition,
+                confirm_assign,
+                select_sprint,
+                confirm_grow,
+                warn,
             )
         except (ConfigError, TaskError) as error:
             typer.echo(f"Error: {error}", err=True)
@@ -729,7 +741,9 @@ def select_issue(issues: list[JiraIssue]) -> JiraIssue | None:
         return issues[selected - 1]
 
     try:
-        result = create_task_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow)
+        result = create_task_from_jira(
+            select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow
+        )
     except (ConfigError, TaskError) as error:
         typer.echo(f"Error: {error}", err=True)
         raise typer.Exit(code=1) from error
diff --git a/src/et/jira.py b/src/et/jira.py
index 9b9bece..baf6059 100644
--- a/src/et/jira.py
+++ b/src/et/jira.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 COMPONENTS_PATH_TEMPLATE = "rest/api/3/project/{key}/components"
 FIELD_PATH = "rest/api/3/field"
 ISSUE_PATH = "rest/api/3/issue"
+ASSIGNEE_PATH_TEMPLATE = "rest/api/3/issue/{key}/assignee"
 BOARD_PATH = "rest/agile/1.0/board"
 BOARD_SPRINT_PATH_TEMPLATE = "rest/agile/1.0/board/{board_id}/sprint"
 AGILE_ISSUE_PATH_TEMPLATE = "rest/agile/1.0/issue/{key}"
@@ -62,6 +63,7 @@ class JiraIssue:
     priority: str
     status: str = ""
     original_estimate_seconds: int | None = None
+    assignee_account_id: str | None = None
 
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
@@ -118,7 +120,7 @@ def text_to_adf(text: str) -> dict[str, object]:
 
 def _request(
     jira_config: JiraConfig,
-    method: Literal["GET", "POST"],
+    method: Literal["GET", "POST", "PUT"],
     url: str,
     *,
     expected_statuses: tuple[int, ...],
@@ -134,13 +136,20 @@ def _request(
                 auth=(jira_config.email, jira_config.pat),
                 timeout=30,
             )
-        else:
+        elif method == "POST":
             response = requests.post(
                 url,
                 json=json,
                 auth=(jira_config.email, jira_config.pat),
                 timeout=30,
             )
+        else:
+            response = requests.put(
+                url,
+                json=json,
+                auth=(jira_config.email, jira_config.pat),
+                timeout=30,
+            )
     except requests.RequestException as exc:
         raise JiraError(f"could not reach Jira at {url}: {exc}") from exc
 
@@ -493,11 +502,20 @@ def _parse_original_estimate_seconds(fields: dict[str, object]) -> int | None:
     return value
 
 
+def _parse_assignee_account_id(fields: dict[str, object]) -> str | None:
+    """Return `fields.assignee.accountId`, or `None` if the issue is unassigned/malformed."""
+    assignee = fields.get("assignee")
+    if not isinstance(assignee, dict):
+        return None
+    account_id = assignee.get("accountId")
+    return account_id if isinstance(account_id, str) and account_id else None
+
+
 def fetch_issue(jira_config: JiraConfig, issue_key: str) -> JiraIssue:
     """Return `issue_key`'s summary, priority, status, and original estimate as a `JiraIssue`.
 
     Calls Jira's
-    `GET /rest/api/3/issue/{key}?fields=summary,priority,status,timetracking`
+    `GET /rest/api/3/issue/{key}?fields=summary,priority,status,timetracking,assignee`
     endpoint. Used by `et jira start KEY` to look up an issue given directly
     by key, rather than picked from `fetch_active_issues`'s candidate list.
     Raises `JiraError` if the request cannot be made, Jira rejects it, or
@@ -505,7 +523,7 @@ def fetch_issue(jira_config: JiraConfig, issue_key: str) -> JiraIssue:
     """
     url = _jira_url(jira_config, f"{ISSUE_PATH}/{issue_key}")
     payload = _get_json(
-        jira_config, url, params={"fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking"}
+        jira_config, url, params={"fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking,assignee"}
     )
     if not isinstance(payload, dict):
         raise JiraError(f"unexpected Jira API response from {url}: not a JSON object")
@@ -532,6 +550,7 @@ def fetch_issue(jira_config: JiraConfig, issue_key: str) -> JiraIssue:
         priority=priority if isinstance(priority, str) else "",
         status=status,
         original_estimate_seconds=_parse_original_estimate_seconds(fields),
+        assignee_account_id=_parse_assignee_account_id(fields),
     )
 
 
@@ -576,7 +595,7 @@ def _fetch_issue_pages(jira_config: JiraConfig, url: str) -> list[object]:
     while True:
         params: dict[str, str] = {
             "jql": jira_config.jql,
-            "fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking",
+            "fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking,assignee",
         }
         if next_page_token is not None:
             params["nextPageToken"] = next_page_token
@@ -679,6 +698,7 @@ def fetch_active_issues(jira_config: JiraConfig) -> list[JiraIssue]:
                 priority=priority if isinstance(priority, str) else "",
                 status=status if isinstance(status, str) else "",
                 original_estimate_seconds=_parse_original_estimate_seconds(fields),
+                assignee_account_id=_parse_assignee_account_id(fields),
             )
         )
 
@@ -698,6 +718,24 @@ def fetch_active_issues(jira_config: JiraConfig) -> list[JiraIssue]:
     return [issue for _, issue in indexed]
 
 
+def assign_issue(jira_config: JiraConfig, issue_key: str, account_id: str) -> None:
+    """Assign `issue_key` to the Jira user identified by `account_id`.
+
+    Calls Jira's `PUT /rest/api/3/issue/{key}/assignee` endpoint (which
+    returns 204 No Content on success). Raises `JiraError` if the request
+    cannot be made or Jira rejects it.
+    """
+    url = _jira_url(jira_config, ASSIGNEE_PATH_TEMPLATE.format(key=issue_key))
+
+    _request(
+        jira_config,
+        "PUT",
+        url,
+        expected_statuses=(204,),
+        json={"accountId": account_id},
+    )
+
+
 def fetch_transitions(jira_config: JiraConfig, issue_key: str) -> list[JiraTransition]:
     """Fetch the workflow transitions currently available for `issue_key`.
 
diff --git a/src/et/task.py b/src/et/task.py
index f3630cd..650cdd6 100644
--- a/src/et/task.py
+++ b/src/et/task.py
@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@
 switches GNOME to it — moving the terminal window it's run from along with
 it — picking the slot's name/description/Jira link/original estimate from
 the user's active Jira issues (and offering to move the selected issue to
-"In Progress" if it isn't already). `et jira complete` logs the active
+"In Progress" if it isn't already, and to assign it to the current user if
+it isn't already). `et jira complete` logs the active
 workspace's tracked time to Jira (reusing
 `et.jira_time.log_time_for_current_workspace`), then — each behind its own
 confirmation prompt — optionally deletes that workspace (reclaiming its
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@
     JiraIssue,
     JiraSprint,
     add_issue_to_sprint,
+    assign_issue,
     create_comment,
     discover_board_id,
     fetch_active_issues,
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@
     fetch_issue_sprint,
     fetch_issue_status,
     fetch_transitions,
+    search_user_account_id,
     transition_issue,
 )
 from et.jira_ref import JIRA_REF_PREFIX, default_entry, jira_key_from_ref, truncate_summary
@@ -458,9 +461,38 @@ def _maybe_transition_to_in_progress(
         _transition_to_status(jira_config, issue.key, IN_PROGRESS_STATUS, display="In Progress")
 
 
+def _maybe_assign_to_self(
+    jira_config: JiraConfig,
+    issue: JiraIssue,
+    confirm_assign: Callable[[JiraIssue], bool] | None,
+) -> None:
+    """Assign `issue` to the current Jira user if not already, and `confirm_assign` agrees.
+
+    Shared by `create_task_from_jira` (interactive picker) and
+    `create_task_from_jira_key` (positional `KEY`): both offer the same
+    "not already assigned to you? assign it" step, right after the
+    In-Progress transition step and before the workspace is created.
+
+    Looks up the current user's accountId via `search_user_account_id`
+    (using `jira_config.email`). If that lookup fails to find a matching
+    user, or the issue is already assigned to that accountId, the prompt is
+    skipped entirely without calling `confirm_assign`.
+    """
+    if confirm_assign is None:
+        return
+
+    account_id = search_user_account_id(jira_config, jira_config.email)
+    if account_id is None or issue.assignee_account_id == account_id:
+        return
+
+    if confirm_assign(issue):
+        assign_issue(jira_config, issue.key, account_id)
+
+
 def create_task_from_jira(
     select_issue: Callable[[list[JiraIssue]], JiraIssue | None],
     confirm_transition: Callable[[JiraIssue], bool] | None = None,
+    confirm_assign: Callable[[JiraIssue], bool] | None = None,
     confirm_grow: Callable[[int], bool] = lambda count: False,
 ) -> TaskCreateResult | None:
     """Create a task workspace from one of the user's active Jira issues.
@@ -476,6 +508,11 @@ def create_task_from_jira(
     issue is moved to its "In Progress" transition before the workspace is
     created.
 
+    Right after that, if the issue isn't already assigned to the current
+    Jira user and `confirm_assign` is given, calls `confirm_assign(issue)`
+    — if it returns `True`, the issue is assigned to the current user
+    before the workspace is created.
+
     `confirm_grow(count)` is forwarded to `create_task_workspace`: it's
     called only when all `count` workspaces are taken, to ask whether to add
     one more (returning `None` here if declined).
@@ -508,6 +545,7 @@ def create_task_from_jira(
         return None
 
     _maybe_transition_to_in_progress(config.jira, issue, confirm_transition)
+    _maybe_assign_to_self(config.jira, issue, confirm_assign)
 
     return create_task_workspace(
         name=truncate_summary(issue.summary),
@@ -590,6 +628,7 @@ def ensure_issue_in_active_sprint(
 def create_task_from_jira_key(
     issue_key: str,
     confirm_transition: Callable[[JiraIssue], bool] | None = None,
+    confirm_assign: Callable[[JiraIssue], bool] | None = None,
     select_sprint: Callable[[list[JiraSprint]], JiraSprint | None] = (
         lambda sprints: sprints[0] if sprints else None
     ),
@@ -600,14 +639,15 @@ def create_task_from_jira_key(
 
     Follows the same steps as `create_task_from_jira`'s interactive flow —
     offering to move the issue to "In Progress" via `confirm_transition` if
-    it isn't already, then creating the workspace/timer and switching to
-    it via `create_task_workspace` — but for a specific `issue_key` instead
-    of one picked from the active-issues list. Additionally ensures the
-    issue is in one of its project's current active sprints via
-    `ensure_issue_in_active_sprint`, letting `select_sprint` pick among
-    them (or decline) if it isn't already in one (any board/sprint
-    resolution problem is reported via `warn` and skipped rather than
-    failing the command).
+    it isn't already, then offering to assign it to the current user via
+    `confirm_assign` if it isn't already, then creating the workspace/timer
+    and switching to it via `create_task_workspace` — but for a specific
+    `issue_key` instead of one picked from the active-issues list.
+    Additionally ensures the issue is in one of its project's current
+    active sprints via `ensure_issue_in_active_sprint`, letting
+    `select_sprint` pick among them (or decline) if it isn't already in one
+    (any board/sprint resolution problem is reported via `warn` and skipped
+    rather than failing the command).
 
     Raises `ConfigError` if the config file is missing/malformed,
     `TaskError` if there's no `jira` config block or `issue_key` is already
@@ -633,6 +673,7 @@ def create_task_from_jira_key(
         raise TaskError(str(exc)) from exc
 
     _maybe_transition_to_in_progress(config.jira, issue, confirm_transition)
+    _maybe_assign_to_self(config.jira, issue, confirm_assign)
 
     ensure_issue_in_active_sprint(config, config.jira, issue_key, select_sprint, warn)
 
diff --git a/tests/test_cli.py b/tests/test_cli.py
index 030ed8a..f0c30a6 100644
--- a/tests/test_cli.py
+++ b/tests/test_cli.py
@@ -528,9 +528,10 @@ def test_jira_start_lists_issues_and_creates_from_selection(mock_create_from_jir
         workspace_index=2, name="ISD-2", ref="jira:ISD-2", window_moved=True
     )
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_grow
         del confirm_transition
+        del confirm_assign
         issues = [
             JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="In Progress")
         ]
@@ -554,9 +555,10 @@ def test_jira_start_notes_when_window_could_not_be_moved(mock_create_from_jira):
         workspace_index=2, name="ISD-2", ref="jira:ISD-2", window_moved=False
     )
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_grow
         del confirm_transition
+        del confirm_assign
         issues = [
             JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="In Progress")
         ]
@@ -595,9 +597,10 @@ def test_jira_start_reports_error(mock_create_from_jira):
 def test_jira_start_prompts_to_move_issue_to_in_progress_when_confirmed(mock_create_from_jira):
     captured = {}
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_grow
         del select_issue
+        del confirm_assign
         issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
         captured["confirmed"] = confirm_transition(issue)
         return None
@@ -615,9 +618,10 @@ def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
 def test_jira_start_does_not_transition_when_declined(mock_create_from_jira):
     captured = {}
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_grow
         del select_issue
+        del confirm_assign
         issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
         captured["confirmed"] = confirm_transition(issue)
         return None
@@ -634,9 +638,10 @@ def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
 def test_jira_start_defaults_transition_prompt_to_yes(mock_create_from_jira):
     captured = {}
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_grow
         del select_issue
+        del confirm_assign
         issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
         captured["confirmed"] = confirm_transition(issue)
         return None
@@ -654,9 +659,10 @@ def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
 def test_jira_start_defaults_grow_prompt_to_yes(mock_create_from_jira):
     captured = {}
 
-    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
         del confirm_transition
         del select_issue
+        del confirm_assign
         captured["confirmed"] = confirm_grow(4)
         return None
 
@@ -668,6 +674,68 @@ def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_grow):
     assert "All 4 workspaces are in use. Add another workspace? [Y/n]" in result.stdout
 
 
+@patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira")
+def test_jira_start_prompts_to_assign_issue_to_self_when_confirmed(mock_create_from_jira):
+    captured = {}
+
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
+        del confirm_grow
+        del select_issue
+        del confirm_transition
+        issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
+        captured["confirmed"] = confirm_assign(issue)
+        return None
+
+    mock_create_from_jira.side_effect = fake_create_from_jira
+
+    result = runner.invoke(app, ["jira", "start"], input="y\n")
+
+    assert result.exit_code == 0
+    assert "Assign ISD-2 to yourself?" in result.stdout
+    assert captured["confirmed"] is True
+
+
+@patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira")
+def test_jira_start_does_not_assign_when_declined(mock_create_from_jira):
+    captured = {}
+
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
+        del confirm_grow
+        del select_issue
+        del confirm_transition
+        issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
+        captured["confirmed"] = confirm_assign(issue)
+        return None
+
+    mock_create_from_jira.side_effect = fake_create_from_jira
+
+    result = runner.invoke(app, ["jira", "start"], input="n\n")
+
+    assert result.exit_code == 0
+    assert captured["confirmed"] is False
+
+
+@patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira")
+def test_jira_start_defaults_assign_prompt_to_yes(mock_create_from_jira):
+    captured = {}
+
+    def fake_create_from_jira(select_issue, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, confirm_grow):
+        del confirm_grow
+        del select_issue
+        del confirm_transition
+        issue = JiraIssue(key="ISD-2", summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
+        captured["confirmed"] = confirm_assign(issue)
+        return None
+
+    mock_create_from_jira.side_effect = fake_create_from_jira
+
+    result = runner.invoke(app, ["jira", "start"], input="\n")
+
+    assert result.exit_code == 0
+    assert "Assign ISD-2 to yourself? [Y/n]" in result.stdout
+    assert captured["confirmed"] is True
+
+
 @patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira_key")
 def test_jira_start_with_key_creates_task_directly(mock_create_from_jira_key):
     mock_create_from_jira_key.return_value = TaskCreateResult(
@@ -699,11 +767,12 @@ def test_jira_start_with_key_prompts_to_move_issue_to_in_progress_when_confirmed
     captured = {}
 
     def fake_create_from_jira_key(
-        issue_key, confirm_transition, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+        issue_key, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
     ):
         del select_sprint
         del confirm_grow
         del warn
+        del confirm_assign
         issue = JiraIssue(key=issue_key, summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
         captured["confirmed"] = confirm_transition(issue)
         return TaskCreateResult(
@@ -720,16 +789,46 @@ def fake_create_from_jira_key(
     assert captured["confirmed"] is True
 
 
+@patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira_key")
+def test_jira_start_with_key_prompts_to_assign_issue_to_self_when_confirmed(
+    mock_create_from_jira_key,
+):
+    captured = {}
+
+    def fake_create_from_jira_key(
+        issue_key, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+    ):
+        del select_sprint
+        del confirm_grow
+        del warn
+        del confirm_transition
+        issue = JiraIssue(key=issue_key, summary="Second issue", priority="High", status="To Do")
+        captured["confirmed"] = confirm_assign(issue)
+        return TaskCreateResult(
+            workspace_index=0, name="ISD-2", ref="jira:ISD-2",
+            window_moved=True,
+        )
+
+    mock_create_from_jira_key.side_effect = fake_create_from_jira_key
+
+    result = runner.invoke(app, ["jira", "start", "ISD-2"], input="y\n")
+
+    assert result.exit_code == 0
+    assert "Assign ISD-2 to yourself?" in result.stdout
+    assert captured["confirmed"] is True
+
+
 @patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira_key")
 def test_jira_start_with_key_prompts_to_add_to_sprint(mock_create_from_jira_key):
     captured = {}
 
     def fake_create_from_jira_key(
-        issue_key, confirm_transition, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+        issue_key, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
     ):
         del confirm_transition
         del confirm_grow
         del warn
+        del confirm_assign
         captured["selected"] = select_sprint([JiraSprint(id="7", name="Sprint 7")])
         return TaskCreateResult(
             workspace_index=0, name="ISD-2", ref="jira:ISD-2",
@@ -752,11 +851,12 @@ def test_jira_start_with_key_prompts_to_choose_among_multiple_active_sprints(
     captured = {}
 
     def fake_create_from_jira_key(
-        issue_key, confirm_transition, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+        issue_key, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
     ):
         del confirm_transition
         del confirm_grow
         del warn
+        del confirm_assign
         captured["selected"] = select_sprint(
             [JiraSprint(id="7", name="Sprint 7"), JiraSprint(id="8", name="Sprint 8")]
         )
@@ -777,12 +877,13 @@ def fake_create_from_jira_key(
 @patch("et.cli.create_task_from_jira_key")
 def test_jira_start_with_key_prints_warnings(mock_create_from_jira_key):
     def fake_create_from_jira_key(
-        issue_key, confirm_transition, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
+        issue_key, confirm_transition, confirm_assign, select_sprint, confirm_grow, warn
     ):
         del issue_key
         del confirm_transition
         del select_sprint
         del confirm_grow
+        del confirm_assign
         warn("no active sprint found on the project's board; skipping sprint")
         return TaskCreateResult(
             workspace_index=0, name="ISD-2", ref="jira:ISD-2",
diff --git a/tests/test_jira.py b/tests/test_jira.py
index 1ea834a..63d6282 100644
--- a/tests/test_jira.py
+++ b/tests/test_jira.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
     JiraSprint,
     JiraTransition,
     add_issue_to_sprint,
+    assign_issue,
     create_comment,
     create_issue,
     create_worklog,
@@ -62,12 +63,15 @@ def _issue(
     priority: str,
     status: str | None = None,
     original_estimate_seconds: int | None = None,
+    assignee_account_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
     fields: dict[str, object] = {"summary": summary, "priority": {"name": priority}}
     if status is not None:
         fields["status"] = {"name": status}
     if original_estimate_seconds is not None:
         fields["timetracking"] = {"originalEstimateSeconds": original_estimate_seconds}
+    if assignee_account_id is not None:
+        fields["assignee"] = {"accountId": assignee_account_id}
     return {"key": key, "fields": fields}
 
 
@@ -98,7 +102,7 @@ def test_fetch_active_issues_passes_jql_and_basic_auth(mock_get):
     assert args[0] == "https://example.atlassian.net/rest/api/3/search/jql"
     assert kwargs["params"] == {
         "jql": config.jql,
-        "fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking",
+        "fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking,assignee",
     }
     assert kwargs["auth"] == (config.email, config.pat)
 
@@ -301,6 +305,26 @@ def test_fetch_active_issues_defaults_original_estimate_seconds_to_none_when_mis
     assert issues[0].original_estimate_seconds is None
 
 
+@patch("et.jira.requests.get")
+def test_fetch_active_issues_parses_assignee_account_id(mock_get):
+    mock_get.return_value = _response(
+        [_issue("PROJ-1", "Task A", "High", assignee_account_id="account-123")]
+    )
+
+    issues = fetch_active_issues(_config())
+
+    assert issues[0].assignee_account_id == "account-123"
+
+
+@patch("et.jira.requests.get")
+def test_fetch_active_issues_defaults_assignee_account_id_to_none_when_unassigned(mock_get):
+    mock_get.return_value = _response([_issue("PROJ-1", "Task A", "High")])
+
+    issues = fetch_active_issues(_config())
+
+    assert issues[0].assignee_account_id is None
+
+
 def _json_response(status_code: int, payload: object) -> MagicMock:
     response = MagicMock()
     response.status_code = status_code
@@ -457,6 +481,36 @@ def test_transition_issue_wraps_network_errors(mock_post):
         transition_issue(_config(), "PROJ-1", "11")
 
 
+# --- assign_issue ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@patch("et.jira.requests.put")
+def test_assign_issue_puts_account_id(mock_put):
+    mock_put.return_value = _json_response(204, {})
+    config = _config(base_url="https://example.atlassian.net")
+
+    assign_issue(config, "PROJ-1", "account-123")
+
+    args, kwargs = mock_put.call_args
+    assert args[0] == "https://example.atlassian.net/rest/api/3/issue/PROJ-1/assignee"
+    assert kwargs["json"] == {"accountId": "account-123"}
+    assert kwargs["auth"] == (config.email, config.pat)
+
+
+@patch("et.jira.requests.put")
+def test_assign_issue_raises_on_non_204_status(mock_put):
+    mock_put.return_value = _json_response(400, {"errorMessages": ["bad request"]})
+
+    with pytest.raises(JiraError, match="400"):
+        assign_issue(_config(), "PROJ-1", "account-123")
+
+
+@patch("et.jira.requests.put", side_effect=requests.ConnectionError("no route to host"))
+def test_assign_issue_wraps_network_errors(mock_put):
+    with pytest.raises(JiraError, match="no route to host"):
+        assign_issue(_config(), "PROJ-1", "account-123")
+
+
 # --- create_comment -----------------------------------------------------
 
 
@@ -551,7 +605,7 @@ def test_fetch_issue_returns_summary_priority_and_status(mock_get):
     )
     args, kwargs = mock_get.call_args
     assert args[0] == "https://example.atlassian.net/rest/api/3/issue/PROJ-1"
-    assert kwargs["params"] == {"fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking"}
+    assert kwargs["params"] == {"fields": "summary,priority,status,timetracking,assignee"}
 
 
 @patch("et.jira.requests.get")
@@ -605,6 +659,35 @@ def test_fetch_issue_defaults_priority_to_empty_string(mock_get):
     assert issue.priority == ""
 
 
+@patch("et.jira.requests.get")
+def test_fetch_issue_parses_assignee_account_id(mock_get):
+    mock_get.return_value = _json_response(
+        200,
+        {
+            "fields": {
+                "summary": "A summary",
+                "status": {"name": "To Do"},
+                "assignee": {"accountId": "account-123"},
+            }
+        },
+    )
+
+    issue = fetch_issue(_config(), "PROJ-1")
+
+    assert issue.assignee_account_id == "account-123"
+
+
+@patch("et.jira.requests.get")
+def test_fetch_issue_defaults_assignee_account_id_to_none_when_unassigned(mock_get):
+    mock_get.return_value = _json_response(
+        200, {"fields": {"summary": "A summary", "status": {"name": "To Do"}}}
+    )
+
+    issue = fetch_issue(_config(), "PROJ-1")
+
+    assert issue.assignee_account_id is None
+
+
 @patch("et.jira.requests.get")
 def test_fetch_issue_raises_when_no_summary_in_response(mock_get):
     mock_get.return_value = _json_response(200, {"fields": {"status": {"name": "To Do"}}})
diff --git a/tests/test_task.py b/tests/test_task.py
index 161aa69..bbf048e 100644
--- a/tests/test_task.py
+++ b/tests/test_task.py
@@ -300,6 +300,7 @@ def _issue(
     priority: str = "High",
     status: str = "",
     original_estimate_seconds: int | None = None,
+    assignee_account_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> JiraIssue:
     return JiraIssue(
         key=key,
@@ -307,6 +308,7 @@ def _issue(
         priority=priority,
         status=status,
         original_estimate_seconds=original_estimate_seconds,
+        assignee_account_id=assignee_account_id,
     )
 
 
@@ -490,6 +492,95 @@ def test_create_task_from_jira_wraps_fetch_transitions_error(
         )
 
 
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_active_issues")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_skips_confirm_assign_when_already_assigned_to_self(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch.return_value = [_issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-1")]
+    mock_search_user_account_id.return_value = "acct-1"
+    confirm_assign = MagicMock()
+
+    create_task_from_jira(select_issue=lambda issues: issues[0], confirm_assign=confirm_assign)
+
+    confirm_assign.assert_not_called()
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_not_called()
+
+
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id", return_value=None)
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_active_issues")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_skips_confirm_assign_when_current_user_lookup_fails(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch.return_value = [_issue("ISD-2")]
+    confirm_assign = MagicMock()
+
+    create_task_from_jira(select_issue=lambda issues: issues[0], confirm_assign=confirm_assign)
+
+    confirm_assign.assert_not_called()
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_not_called()
+
+
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id", return_value="acct-1")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_active_issues")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_assigns_issue_to_self_when_confirmed(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch.return_value = [_issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-2")]
+
+    create_task_from_jira(
+        select_issue=lambda issues: issues[0], confirm_assign=lambda issue: True
+    )
+
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_called_once_with(_config().jira, "ISD-2", "acct-1")
+
+
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id", return_value="acct-1")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_active_issues")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_skips_assign_when_declined(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch.return_value = [_issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-2")]
+
+    create_task_from_jira(
+        select_issue=lambda issues: issues[0], confirm_assign=lambda issue: False
+    )
+
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_not_called()
+
+
 # --- create_task_from_jira_key -----------------------------------------------
 
 
@@ -641,6 +732,75 @@ def test_create_task_from_jira_key_calls_ensure_issue_in_active_sprint_with_conf
     mock_ensure_sprint.assert_called_once_with(config, config.jira, "ISD-2", select_sprint, warn)
 
 
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id")
+@patch("et.task.ensure_issue_in_active_sprint")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_issue")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_key_skips_confirm_assign_when_already_assigned_to_self(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch_issue,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_ensure_sprint,
+    mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch_issue.return_value = _issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-1")
+    mock_search_user_account_id.return_value = "acct-1"
+    confirm_assign = MagicMock()
+
+    create_task_from_jira_key("ISD-2", confirm_assign=confirm_assign)
+
+    confirm_assign.assert_not_called()
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_not_called()
+
+
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id", return_value="acct-1")
+@patch("et.task.ensure_issue_in_active_sprint")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_issue")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_key_assigns_issue_to_self_when_confirmed(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch_issue,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_ensure_sprint,
+    _mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch_issue.return_value = _issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-2")
+
+    create_task_from_jira_key("ISD-2", confirm_assign=lambda issue: True)
+
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_called_once_with(_config().jira, "ISD-2", "acct-1")
+
+
+@patch("et.task.assign_issue")
+@patch("et.task.search_user_account_id", return_value="acct-1")
+@patch("et.task.ensure_issue_in_active_sprint")
+@patch("et.task.create_task_workspace")
+@patch("et.task.fetch_issue")
+@patch("et.task.load_config")
+def test_create_task_from_jira_key_skips_assign_when_declined(
+    mock_load_config,
+    mock_fetch_issue,
+    _mock_create_task_workspace,
+    _mock_ensure_sprint,
+    _mock_search_user_account_id,
+    mock_assign_issue,
+):
+    mock_load_config.return_value = _config()
+    mock_fetch_issue.return_value = _issue("ISD-2", assignee_account_id="acct-2")
+
+    create_task_from_jira_key("ISD-2", confirm_assign=lambda issue: False)
+
+    mock_assign_issue.assert_not_called()
+
+
 # --- ensure_issue_in_active_sprint -------------------------------------------