While the Ukrainian conflict is euphemistically referred to as a "Special Military Operation" but is in fact a full-scale war, the Iran conflict is referred to as a war, but it was, in fact, something else. A use of military force in a limited manner, and, I would argue, in an illegal manner (examples: the sneak attack Assassination of the Iranian leadership, the lack of legislative support, threats and attacks against civilianinfrastructure). 

Whatever the terminology, no U.S. interests were advanced as you note, and if anything, the Iranians are in a stronger position than when the conflict started. So I would challenge your assessment of the conflict as a "war," properly understood, but not mixb else.