The Render Iterative command, available from the Render flyout on the main toolbar, renders the scene in iterative mode without opening the Render Setup dialog. You can activate Iterative rendering mode without rendering from the drop-down list in the bottom-left corner of the Render Setup dialog, and in the top-right corner of the Rendered Frame Window.
Iterative rendering ignores file output, network rendering, rendering of multiple frames, export to MI files, and email notification. Use this option when doing quick iterations on the image, usually in parts; for example, working on final gather settings, reflections, or specific objects or areas of the scene.
Also, when rendering in Iterative mode, rendering Selected or Region leaves the rest of the Rendered Frame Window intact.