I think he went in with the noblest of intentions. Whether convinced by outside intel or not is irrelevant. He made the choice. My firm belief is he thought Iran would fold, and collapse early on. He didn't understand the regime, and has recently admitted as much when he backtracked on thinking he could negotiate with them, and called them crazy.
He should have known all along. But, many Western minds just don't get it. They can't tie the religious zealot mind to something they can comprehend.
Yes. I believe he feels it needs to be done. But, not for altruistic reasons, or even National Security. Now, it's his pride, arrogance, and legacy. He doesn't want the black mark. He wants to be remembered as the POTUS who stopped the terrorist regime and proxies in the Middle East, and this isn't looking good for him. All politicians have egos. His is one of--if not the--biggest I can recall in my 60+ years.
He can't stop now.
That being said, round up the C-130's, their escorts & about 4 MOABs, and let it rain. Then, decide if a tactical ground assault in key, specific areas is still required. Stop with the pinpoint pricks that cost over $1MM a pop. Bury an area with a $250k munition that will make them think Allah has arrived as they desire. Guarantee if 4 or 5 MOABs shook the country almost simultaneously, it might be a wake-up, come to Allah moment. At least, there wouldn't be much for the IRGC to recover and reconstitute.