> the sword of Damocles fell and turned it to be a Christmas ornament.

That was my impression as well. I think there was exactly one event in this war that has long-term consequences and that was the realization that the US military cannot undo a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by force. That was an unexpected hard limit of US military power in the region, which otherwise feels practically unlimited. This realization gave Iran the increase in leverage it has now. But it doesn't change the fact that in direct military confrontation, they are weaker. (Though they have allies now)

(Ok, maybe a second change of long-term status quo was the realization that Iran will attack the gulf states, so they are suddenly at risk of becoming war zones. But that's more a change of status for the gulf states, not the rest of the world)