In January 1939 Iturmendi was nominated the first Francoist in Tarragona. He is noted as involved in anti-Republican purges; officials deemed “anti-patriotic” were to be removed or suspended. Iturmendi was also recorded for his role during a conflict related to cardenal Vidal Barraquer. Furious about the archbishop's neutralist stance, Franco was determined to prevent his return to Tarragona; Iturmendi helped to outmaneuver the provisional papal nominee, Francesc Vives, and greatly contributed to final defeat of the Vatican's diplomacy in their struggle to reinstate Vidal. In March 1939 Iturmendi was transferred to civil governor position in Zaragoza, which he held for 5 months. Again, he is noted as the one whose hand “did not tremble” when dealing with officials suspected of lack of enthusiasm for the new regime.