I think this a perceptions issue. IRGC done VERY well recently, successes in Syria, Houthis, Iraq, much closer ties and success in Gaza/Hamas. They feel good about themselves and view US as impotent(as in Syria). It could be a threat and demonstration of what they can do.

These are hard experienced and utterly committed men. They do not feel weak at all. Trump is a bit of a joke to them as Obama was before.