Goals from Marcus Tavernier and Eli Junior Kroupi lifted the Cherries to second in the table and deepened Forest's winless league streak to eight games.
Reflecting on the result, Iraola said his players had learned from recent lessons. "We used well the experience from last week," he told the Daily Echo. "We were 2-0 up against Crystal Palace and lost focus.
"Today, everyone was very vocal at half-time. The first half was excellent, and while the second wasn't as exciting or brilliant, it was exactly what we needed."
Bournemouth started strongly and were rewarded midway through the first half when Tavernier's corner deceived goalkeeper Matz Sels and curled straight into the net. Forest manager Sean Dyche was left frustrated after replays suggested the ball might have gone out of play before crossing the line.
The hosts doubled their lead just before half-time through teenage forward Kroupi, who fired home from distance to continue his fine scoring form, his third goal in three matches across all competitions.
Forest improved after the break, with Morgan Gibbs-White attempting to inspire a comeback, but Dorde Petrovic produced a superb late save to preserve Bournemouth's clean sheet.
With club owner Bill Foley watching from the stands, reports have suggested he is keen to open talks over a new deal for Iraola.
The Spaniard, however, remained calm about his contract situation. "We have a really good relationship," he said. "Even when he's not here, we talk a lot. There will be time to discuss things, but it's still early in the season."
Iraola's Bournemouth are now eyeing a European push with a testing trip to Manchester City on November 2 next up, while Dyche's Forest continue to slide and host Manchester United on November 1 in a bid for their first league win since the opening weekend.
Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City are not panicking despite falling six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira has remained defiant despite growing pressure after his side's 3–2 defeat to Burnley at Molineux left them bottom of the Premier League and still searching for their first win of the season.
Saturday's Premier League action saw Manchester United continue their good form as both Chelsea and Liverpool suffered damaging defeats.
Kenny Dalglish has urged Liverpool supporters to show patience with Alexander Isak, who has endured a difficult start to life at Anfield since his record transfer from Newcastle United in the summer.
