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The Republican Congress is demanding to be heard on a nuclear deal with Iran despite President Barack Obamas warnings. But its the presidents Democratic allies in the Senate that hold the keys to any Iran bill.

Republicans have written legislation they think can move quickly through the Senate. It would give Congress a critical role in accepting or rejecting a deal with Tehran.

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But they need Democrats to proceed with the bill, and the White House is sure to start twisting arms in the party to try and keep the measure off the Senate floor. Several Democrats have previously said they would support the legislation, but now that Obama can argue hes made progress, Democrats will have to decide whether they want to openly rebuke the administrations diplomatic efforts.

The new top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin of Maryland, sounded like he was still making up his mind. He said he was open to moving forward, but cautioned he needs to study how legislation written by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) interacts with the complex non-proliferation framework struck by Iran, the United States and five other global powers. Cardin noted that he hadnt yet spoken to the president about his new role on the committee.

If he determines that Corkers bill wont break the fragile agreement, Cardin could end up supporting it, particularly if Corker is open to tweaking it further to satisfy Democrats.

Congress does have a right to review the agreement, the sanctions are imposed by Congress. A review process established by Congress makes sense, Cardin said late Thursday afternoon.

But, he added a critical disclaimer: I want it to strengthen the president, not weaken the president, I dont want it to undermine negotiations.

If enough Democrats go along with Corker, its on to the Senate floor and then the House, where Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is open to taking up the proposal, which would give lawmakers the power to approve or reject the agreements lifting of sanctions on Iran.

But if the bill begins working its way through Congress, Obama has warned lawmakers it could undermine a deal.

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Fate of Iran bill rests with Democrats