(CNN)-- The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times reported late Tuesday that the Trump administration has agreed to a comprehensive civil nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, reported that the agreement would be announced Wednesday, while The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has formally approved the deal.

Any agreement to grant Saudi Arabia nuclear technology is likely to spark widespread debate, both domestically and across the Middle East. Israel—widely believed to possess undeclared nuclear weapons—has long been wary of Saudi Arabia acquiring nuclear technology. Iran, Saudi Arabia's main regional rival, possesses a stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels and has vowed to maintain its nuclear program—which it claims is for civilian purposes—even after months of US airstrikes.

Uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing are the two main pathways to producing the essential materials for nuclear weapons. Most countries that require enriched uranium for their civil nuclear reactors do not produce it domestically; instead, they purchase the material from suppliers such as the United States or Russia and receive it in sealed shipments under strict international supervision.

CNN reported over the weekend that the White House had tentatively agreed to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without implementing international safeguards aimed at preventing nuclear weapons development, according to sources and documents reviewed by the network; the agreement awaited President Donald Trump's signature.

Two informed sources told CNN over the weekend that the uranium enrichment clause includes conditions imposed by the United States, but details of potential restrictions remain unclear.

The agreement—known as a '123 agreement'—will not be the final word on Saudi Arabia obtaining sensitive technology and materials.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously threatened to build his country's own nuclear weapons if Iran obtains the bomb.