They are seed pods. They may or may not contain developing seeds. Since iris cultivars do not come true from seed, it would be best if your friend removes the stalks with pods now before they drop seeds into the clump and contaminate it with seedlings. Unless, of course, your friend wants to try her hand at germinating iris seeds (which can be very stubborn and difficult to germinate) and growing her own seedlings.

Laurie

hello! i have some seed pods also! I would like to try to grow them,,, can i wait till next year or shoud i do something now or will it happen on it's own? the pods are still stuck to the stem and the flowers are long gone. how shoud i go about getting them off, just pluck? then what?
very excited, newby, gardener,
Jamie

squintysqid- If you want to grow out bearded iris seed, leave the pod on the stem until the pod begins to dry and crack. Don't wait too long though, or you will lose the seed. Pick the pod before it cracks and put it in a bowl. the pod will crack open and then you can collect the seed. Store the seeds until fall, plant in a pot and leave outside all winter. The seed will germinate in the spring.